What service is NOT typically offered by a U.S. consulate abroad?

A U.S. consulate abroad primarily serves to represent American interests and provide services to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. While processing visa applications, issuing U.S. passports, and providing assistance to citizens in emergencies are all key functions of a consulate, conducting immigration hearings is not part of their typical responsibilities.

Immigration hearings are formal legal proceedings that take place within the U.S. immigration court system, not at consulates. Such hearings involve judges making determinations about immigration status, deportation, and applications for relief from removal, which is outside the scope of what a consulate does. Instead, consulates focus on supporting American citizens overseas and facilitating visa services for those seeking entry into the U.S.