US Plans to Reduce Number of African Embassies Handling Visa Applications

Sources have informed the Associated Press that the United States is preparing to reduce the number of its embassies in Africa that handle visa applications.

The agency noted that this decision aligns with President Donald Trump's efforts to restrict immigration.

The Trump administration has announced that foreigners seeking to obtain green cards will be required to complete their procedures through U.S. consulates located outside the country.

A memorandum stated that immigration officers will evaluate each case individually to decide whether it qualifies for an "exceptional" status permitting the continuation of procedures from within the United States.

Zach Kaller, a spokesperson for the agency, explained that the U.S. administration is "returning to the original application of the law," clarifying that anyone temporarily present in the United States who wishes to obtain permanent residency must return to their home country to submit their application, except under specific exceptional circumstances.

He added that this policy aims to "prevent exploitation of legal loopholes" and reduce instances of unlawful stay after residency applications are denied, emphasizing that processing applications through U.S. consulates abroad makes the immigration system "fairer and more efficient."

Kaller emphasized that non-immigrant categories, such as students, temporary workers, and holders of tourist visas, are expected to leave the United States once their visit purpose concludes, noting that their temporary presence "should not become a first step toward obtaining a green card."

He also indicated that shifting the majority of these transactions to the U.S. Department of State and foreign consulates will enable the immigration agency to allocate its limited resources to other cases, including victims of violent crimes, human trafficking, naturalization requests, and other priorities.