The Consular Newsletter (April 07-13, 2025)
This week, the indictment of an Algerian consular officer in France sets off a snowball effect, while China imposes Tibet visa restrictions on U.S. officials.
A. Announcements
B. Video of the week
C. Consular affairs
D. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings
E. Passports, visas, and migration fraud
F. 5 Substacks
G. Honorary consuls
H. Get daily news
I. Support consular research
J. Thanks
A. Announcements
While we are planning to launch the website in May 2025, you are now welcome to archive your existing works in The Consular Repository and submit new writings for The Consular Magazine.
If you would like to partner with the Center, feel free to get in touch.
B. Video of the week
C. Consular affairs
Africa
Nigerian traveler says her thwarted world record attempt shows ‘passport privilege’ is real. CNN
Americas
Ariel Roblin: A lack of transparency over international student visa cancellations fuels anxiety. KCRA 3
Boston immigration attorney, a citizen, told by DHS to leave the country. Boston.com
Supreme Court ruling on Alien Enemies Act raises new due process concerns for migrants. CNN
The practical problems of Rubio’s visa hardball. The American Conservative
Transgender influencer takes on Trump in legal battle over passports. Reuters
Trump’s visa policies have foreign musicians on edge. How will they affect Coachella and touring? Los Angeles Times
Visas of several Harvard University international students, alumni revoked, school confirms. WCVB
Europe
Academics gather in Rome to discuss migration and rule of law. Vatican News
Foreign Ministry maintains the 30,000 euros to help Spaniards sentenced to death. The Diplomat in Spain
Moscow slams 'shameful spectacle' after Russian diplomat detained at Paris airport. France 24
Poland passed an ‘illegal’ anti-asylum law and the EU isn’t doing anything. Hyphen
Multiple continents
Algeria lodges 'strong protest' after consular official indicted in France. RFI
Australian with working visa detained and deported on returning to US from sister’s memorial. The Guardian
Indian Consulate vandalised again in Melbourne, High Commission raises issue. India Today
Iran directed teens who attacked Israel’s embassy in Stockholm last May, police says. The Times of Israel
Asia, Middle East, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
D. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings
In Africa
Trump administration weighs closing U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu as Al Shabab gains ground. Horn Observer
In Americas
Moscow insists on the return of its seized diplomatic property in the US. Fakti
In Middle East
France eyes Iraq’s Basra for new consulate. Shafaq
In Asia, Europe, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
E. Passport, visas, and migration fraud
Americas
BBB issues warning against fake passport sites ahead of summer travel. WRBL
Man admits to student visa fraud in Missouri, claimed $49K in benefits. Fox 4 Kansas City
Asia
Fake visa racket busted in Ambala: key accused arrested with forgery equipment. The Times of India
Travel agents booked for duping seven in visa scam. The Times of India
Multiple continents
Businessman granted GHC100,000 bail in US visa fraud case. Modern Ghana
Nigerian PhD student pleads guilty to fraud in US. Graphic Online
Africa, Europe, Middle East, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
F. 5 Substacks
This selection highlights a number of posts published this week to help readers discover diverse perspectives; the views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the position of the Consular Affairs Center.
- )
More Than Visitors: How Visa Holders Boost—and Often Outpace—the U.S. Economy (by
).- ).
State Dep't official says embassy confirms Abrego Garcia is alive in El Salvador's CECOT prison (by
).Visa and Border Regimes: Featuring Tanvi Misra (by
).
G. Honorary consuls
The Consular Affairs Center provides tailored reports for worldwide honorary consuls. Contact the Center to learn more.
H. Get daily news
Consular affairs via Bluesky, Facebook, KakaoTalk, Line, LinkedIn, Substack, Telegram, Threads, Viber, VK, WhatsApp, and X
The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings via LinkedIn
Passports, visas, and migration fraud via LinkedIn
I. Support consular research
Via The Consular Research Report
On the first of every month, the paid Consular Research Report complements the free Consular Newsletter. Although the Report is modest, your help is essential to advancing consular research. Thank you very much.
Via a donation
Your generosity helps a lot. Support is possible via PayPal. Thank you very much.
J. Thanks
Incubating partner: Yonsei University.
We are grateful to the news sources that contributed to bringing you this week's highlights.
The content and views expressed are those of the authors alone and do not reflect the position of their affiliated institutions or the Consular Affairs Center.