Trump Administration halts green card processing worldwide: Here's why

The Trump administration announced to halt all U.S. immigration visa applications worldwide, sparking confusion and frustration.

The State Department confirmed the suspension, citing a need for “in-depth training” for consular officers to better screen out individuals who may become reliant on public benefits.

The decision comes in the wake of a recent ruling by a federal judge who overturned Trump’s ban on applications from 75 poor countries.

In China, the repercussions were instant. According to a report by RedNote, an immigration officer informed that all immigrant visa interview appointments at the US Consulate in Guangzhou, which is the main issuing station for visas of Chinese nationals, have been cancelled.

The move affected thousands of applicants globally, including many seeking to join spouses, parents, or employers in the U.S. For now, the State Department has not responded about when appointments would resume, saying only that services would be “adjusted” to accommodate training.

Critics have questioned the legality of the move, with immigration advocates pointing to the recent court ruling that overturned similar restrictions.