The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that it will halt the processing of immigrant visas for residents of 75 nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia. The decision pertains to individuals identified by the Trump administration as likely to depend on public assistance while residing in the United States.
Led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department informed consular officers to cease processing immigrant visa applications from the affected countries in line with a broader directive issued in November. This order aimed to tighten regulations concerning potential immigrants who may become “public charges” in the U.S.
Commencing on January 21, the suspension will not impact individuals applying for non-immigrant visas, such as temporary tourist or business visas, which constitute the majority of visa petitions. Anticipated growth in demand for non-immigrant visas is expected in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, events that the U.S. is set to host or co-host.
In a statement, the department outlined that the administration seeks to prevent exploitation of the U.S. immigration system by those aiming to draw resources from American taxpayers. Consequently, immigrant visa processing for the specified 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reviews immigration procedures to deter the entry of foreign nationals seeking welfare benefits.
Under President Donald Trump’s administration, there has already been significant restriction in both immigrant and non-immigrant visa processing for citizens from numerous countries, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The November guidelines forming the basis for this recent decision directed U.S. Embassy and Consulate officials to thoroughly evaluate visa applicants to ensure they will not rely on government benefits post-admission in the U.S.
The new guidelines extend the requirements further, encompassing specific details about visa applicants, including age, health, family status, finances, education, skills, and any past utilization of public assistance, irrespective of nationality. The directive also calls for assessments of applicants’ English proficiency through English interviews.
This move is expected to further restrict entry into the U.S., adding to the tightening of rules already in place by the Republican administration. The affected countries announced in Wednesday’s suspension include Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia, among others.