The US is drastically reducing the number of embassies in Africa.

Riot police stand guard at the entrance to the US consulate in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo: Getty Images

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed the State Department to reduce operations at all consular facilities in Africa, except for 20 centers on an approved list. These restricted locations can still provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens, as well as diplomatic or special visa services in the national interest.

There is no information yet on when the changes will take effect, but some officials say the new regulations are likely to be implemented this June. This means that those applying for a US visa in countries that do not directly process visa applications will need to go to an embassy or consulate on the list for assistance. This could add to already high costs, including requiring applicants to deposit up to $15,000 to obtain a visa.

Previously, visa issuance processes in Africa were affected by travel bans targeting certain countries in the region; more recently, temporary entry restrictions were implemented to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus outbreak in Central and East Africa.

In January, the Trump administration announced a temporary suspension of visa processing from 75 countries in an effort to further tighten immigration pathways to the United States.

In March, Washington also requested a review of at least a 10% reduction in staff at several embassies and consulates.

Beyond the goal of adjusting resources and operational capacity to align with national interests, the White House's latest move is part of a broader effort to restrict immigration to the U.S., particularly those overstaying their tourist visas. Trump has made no secret of his desire to reduce non-European immigration.

Recently, the State Department stated that it continuously evaluates overseas operations to use taxpayers' money as efficiently and economically as possible. To achieve this goal, the U.S. has strengthened oversight of screening standards and tightened many regulations under the "public charge" clause of immigration law to exclude foreign nationals who may rely on government assistance to meet basic needs. Simultaneously, additional requirements, such as proposed high visa sponsorship amounts, have further narrowed access to various visa types, from tourist visas to student visas.

MAI QUYEN (According to AP, Guardian)

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/my-giam-manh-so-luong-dai-su-quan-tai-chau-phi-a206133.html