President Trump signed an executive order on February 12, 2025, cutting staff from U.S. embassies. Some embassies plan for a ten percent reduction in staff. Agencies across the State Department expect a similar level of staff cuts.
The executive order, titled “One Voice for America’s Foreign Relations,” mandates State Department employees comply with President Trump’s “America First” agenda. Failure to comply is subject to disciplinary action and even termination.
Critics claim the executive order is simply a rubber stamp for the Trump administration to remove any employees suspected of not obeying its directives or adhering to its foreign policy position. It also targets non-citizens employed by the State Department, as large portion of staff employed by U.S. embassies are from the local area. The Trump administration claims the terminations are to reduce inefficiency.
Yet U.S. embassies are already operating on a backlog, the executive order will exacerbate an already challenging situation. Applicants seeking U.S. visas must plan further ahead in the future. Proactivity is key to ensuring visa submissions get processed in a timely manner.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.
