Washington, Aug. 26 -- The United States has paused or rescheduled visa appointments at embassies and consulates worldwide as the Donald Trump administration steps up its immigration crackdown.

The US State Department said it has launched a global training programme for consular officers, with visa appointment schedules being adjusted to accommodate the training. Applicants whose interviews had already been scheduled have reportedly been informed of cancellations and told that they would receive new dates.

The move comes amid a broader tightening of US immigration policies, including tougher visa screening and proposed measures affecting business, tourism and skilled-worker visas.

The Trump administration is also preparing to revoke th...