by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:25 AM ET, Mon September 8, 2025
The United States Department of State announced several
new restrictions for short-term visas covering tourism, business, students, and
temporary workers.
According to Newsweek,
the Department of State revealed that non-immigrant visa interviews must be
"scheduled in the applicant's country of nationality or residence" to
stop applicants from booking interviews in a third country to avoid long waits.
"Applicants for U.S. non-immigrant visas (NIV)
should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate in their country of nationality or residence," the State
Department said in a statement.
In addition, the State Department unveiled a new
visa-restriction policy targeting certain Central American nationals accused of
acting on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
As part of the changes, the U.S. Government can deny
visas to individuals who they say knowingly direct, fund, support, or carry out
activities that weaken governance in Central America.
"Today, the U.S. announced visa restrictions for
those who collude with the CCP to undermine governance and
accountability," U.S. Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera said.
"These actions reaffirm President Trump's commitment to protect America's
economic prosperity and national security interests in our region."
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