India, Aug. 26 -- The Donald Trump administration has paused US immigrant visa interviews worldwide as it moves to tighten screening of applicants and limit access to those deemed likely to rely on public assistance in the United States, media reports said.

The initiative was launched at US embassies and consulates in early August, according to a State Department official cited by The Guardian. Visa appointments were adjusted to accommodate "in-depth training" for consular officers.

According to the administration, the enhanced scrutiny is intended to ensure that visa applicants are financially capable of supporting themselves and are unlikely to become dependent on US public benefits.

Separately, the Trump administration is preparing ...