US State Department Freezes Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries
The United States State Department has implemented a significant pause on immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. This move aims to crack down on individuals who officials believe might become a public charge in the future. The department initiated this indefinite suspension starting January 21st.
New Screening Rules Target Multiple Factors
Consular officers received strict instructions to deny visas under existing immigration laws. A State Department memo, first reported by Fox News Digital, directs these officers to refuse applications while the department reassesses its screening and vetting procedures. The guidance enforces sweeping new rules under the public charge provision.
Officers must now weigh a wide range of factors when evaluating applicants. These include health status, age, English language proficiency, and financial stability. The rules even consider potential needs for long-term medical care. Applicants who are older or overweight could face denial. Past use of government cash assistance or institutionalization also becomes a red flag.
Official Statement and Country List
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott issued a clear statement explaining the decision. "The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people," Piggott said. "Immigration 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."
The list of affected countries is extensive and includes nations from various regions. Key countries on the list are:
- Somalia
- Russia
- Pakistan
- Afghanistan
- Brazil
- Iran
- Iraq
- Egypt
- Nigeria
- Thailand
- Yemen
Other nations impacted by this pause include Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan.
Background and Global Instructions
This action follows a State Department cable sent globally in November 2025. That cable instructed consular officers at posts around the world to enforce these new screening rules. The department is now conducting a thorough reassessment of its immigrant visa processing methods. This pause will continue indefinitely until that reassessment is complete.
The public charge provision has long been part of US immigration law. However, the current administration is applying it more rigorously. The goal is to ensure that new immigrants do not burden public welfare systems. This policy shift reflects broader concerns about immigration and public resources.
Travelers and applicants from the listed countries should expect significant delays. Many will likely see their visa applications denied under these stricter criteria. The State Department has not provided a timeline for when normal processing might resume.
