US Cancels Immigrant Visa Interviews in China Amid Legal Challenges

American consulates, including the one in Guangzhou, China, have cancelled immigrant visa interviews, causing frustration among applicants seeking legal entry to the United States, as reported on August 26, 2026. An immigration agent on Chinese social media stated that all immigrant visa interviews scheduled for Tuesday were abruptly cancelled, with appointments in late September still intact but subject to updates. The cancellations are part of a wider global trend affecting US consulates, with applicants receiving notifications sometimes upon arrival at the consulate.

In a related development, a federal judge in New York vacated a Trump administration policy that suspended visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia.

U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled the policy "contrary to law and in excess of statutory authority," stating that Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his authority by enforcing categorical visa refusals based on nationality. Judge Vargas emphasized that consular officers have exclusive authority and discretion to decide visa eligibility, and the policy undermined this statutory scheme.

The policy had been challenged by nonprofit organizations and individuals affected by visa refusals, including family members separated by the ban and those with employment-based petitions. Anna Gallagher, executive director of a national immigration nonprofit, said, "We welcome this ruling because, at its heart, this case is about keeping families together."

She added, "This decision affirms both those values and the rule of law, allowing families to once again move forward toward reunification." Diana Konate, deputy executive director for policy and advocacy at another nonprofit, called the ruling "a tremendous victory for the rule of law." She stated, "This unlawful and racist ban caused immeasurable harm, cruelly keeping families and loved ones apart. Today, we are elated to tell our community members: this ban is no more."

President Donald Trump had expanded immigration and travel bans affecting many countries, citing national security and public assistance concerns.

The State Department maintained that these measures uphold rigorous screening standards but declined to comment on ongoing litigation. The visa suspension policy was linked to a broader November order tightening rules on immigrants who might become public charges, with data indicating over 30 percent of households from the affected countries received public assistance. This judicial decision follows other court rulings overturning Trump-era immigration policies that restricted asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship applications, which courts found to create legal uncertainties for immigrants.