US resumes immigrant visa processing for Hungary, Poland as pause remains elsewhere

Key Points:

• The Trump administration has resumed processing immigrant visa applications from Hungary and Poland, while maintaining a temporary pause on immigrant visa appointments in other countries, according to sources familiar with the matter.
• The White House directed U.S. missions in Poland and Hungary to prioritize immigrant visas, possibly reflecting Trump's political support for far-right leaders in those countries, including former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Poland's nationalist President Karol Nawrocki.
• Since January, the State Department had suspended immigrant visa processing in 75 countries deemed high risk for public charge concerns, but a federal judge ruled the policy unlawful in August, leading to a global pause on visa interviews pending new staff training.
• The pause on immigrant visa appointments has caused widespread cancellations worldwide, with the suspension expected to last months due to the extensive training and certification process required for consular officers.
• The visa suspension and related policies are part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to curb both illegal and legal immigration, including travel bans, increased visa fees, and social media vetting for applicants.