U.S. State Department Halts Immigrant Visa Applications Worldwide

Why it matters locally: The suspension of immigrant visa processing will affect individuals in Georgia with family abroad seeking to immigrate to the U.S., as well as those in the state's diverse communities who rely on these pathways for family reunification.

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The U.S. State Department has announced a worldwide halt to processing immigrant visa applications. This action impacts individuals seeking to obtain permanent residency in the United States. Officials indicated that the pause applies to all immigrant visa appointments. This measure follows previous efforts by the administration to modify immigration regulations. Earlier, a federal judge blocked a separate visa restriction. That previous ban would have impacted individuals from 75 countries.