The U.S. State Department announced a suspension in the processing of immigrant visas for nationals from 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia. This decision aligns with the Trump administration’s stance on immigration, specifically targeting those likely to require public assistance in the United States.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed consular officers to cease processing immigrant visas from the designated countries. This move is in accordance with a broader order issued in November, which seeks to prevent immigrants who might become “public charges” from entering the U.S. The order is an extension of the administration’s previous immigration and travel restrictions, which affected nearly 40 countries.
“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” stated the department. “Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”
Set to commence on January 21, this suspension does not impact those seeking non-immigrant visas, such as temporary tourist or business visas. The demand for these types of visas is expected to surge as the U.S. prepares to host major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
Cable Emphasizes Screening for Non-Immigrant Visas
In addition to the suspension, a notice dispatched to U.S. embassies and consulates calls for the screening of non-immigrant visa applicants to determine their likelihood of seeking public benefits. The cable, revealed by The Associated Press, underscores the administration’s focus on eradicating public benefits fraud.
The cable instructs consular officers to conduct thorough vetting of visa applicants to ensure they will not become reliant on public services. It also requires applicants to prove their financial stability, especially if consular officers suspect potential public benefits reliance.
Expanded Criteria for Visa Applicants
The November directive that informed this decision mandates comprehensive assessment of visa applicants, covering aspects such as age, health, family status, finances, education, skills, and previous use of public assistance. Additionally, the directive suggests evaluating English proficiency through interviews.
Experts have noted that these measures could further restrict entry into the U.S., especially as the administration continues to enforce stringent immigration policies. The countries impacted by the suspension are:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
