Published: 26.08.2026
The U.S. State Department temporarily paused immigrant visa issuance while consular officials review new rules assessing whether applicants may become dependent on public assistance. The administration is also preparing a possible revocation of up to 200,000 business and tourist visas held by foreigners who have sought or are seeking asylum.
The pause primarily affects people applying for immigrant visas outside the United States, including family-based applicants, and is expected to move some interviews to later months. According to the source, employer-sponsored worker immigrant visas are not affected because documented earnings can show that the applicant is unlikely to become a public charge. A separate risk concerns B1/B2 holders who have sought asylum, as their visas may be revoked even though an asylum case independently governs their stay. Families and immigrant applicants should pay close attention to this development because it can affect timing, documentation, and travel planning.