US pauses visa processing at embassy in Niger: state department
The July 25-dated cable did not provide a reason for the move but a state department spokesperson said the pause, which would cover all immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, was in place until Washington addressed "concerns with the government of Niger."
The spokesperson did not provide further details on the reason, but said that most diplomatic and official visas were excepted from the pause.
"The Trump administration is focused on protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process," the department spokesperson said.
The diplomatic cable also instructed consular officers in other visa processing posts to apply "heightened scrutiny" when assessing non-immigrant visa applications for Nigerien nationals, whose overstay rates it said were 8% for visitor visas and 27% for student and exchange visas.
Consular managers should make an effort to reduce the number of overstays by nonimmigrant visa holders in the US, the cable said and added: "In this regard, particular vigilance is needed in adjudicating Nigerien NIV applicants."
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