The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that it will pause the processing of immigrant visas for individuals from 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia. This decision stems from the Trump administration’s concerns that citizens from these nations may rely on public assistance while residing in the United States.
Under the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department has directed consular officers to stop accepting immigrant visa applications from the affected countries, aligning with a broader order issued in November that tightened regulations regarding potential immigrants who could become “public charges” in the U.S.
Starting on January 21, the suspension will only impact applicants seeking immigrant visas, not those applying for non-immigrant visas such as temporary tourist or business visas, which constitute the majority of visa requests.
Anticipated increases in demand for non-immigrant visas are 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 State Department emphasized its aim to prevent the exploitation of the U.S. immigration system by individuals seeking to benefit from American resources. The department stated that the pause in immigrant visa processing from the 75 countries will allow for a reassessment of immigration procedures to safeguard against the entry of foreign nationals who may rely on welfare and public benefits.
The Trump administration has already imposed significant restrictions on both immigrant and non-immigrant visa processes for citizens of numerous countries, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The November guidelines, upon which the recent decision is based, mandate that U.S. Embassy and Consulate officials thoroughly vet visa applicants to ensure they will not depend on government assistance once in the U.S.
The new guidelines extend the requirements further, detailing that consular officials must evaluate various aspects of visa applicants, including age, health, family status, finances, education, skills, and any previous use of public aid, irrespective of their country of origin. Additionally, applicants’ English proficiency will be assessed, potentially through English language interviews.
These changes may further restrict entry into the U.S. during a time when the Trump administration is tightening immigration regulations. The 75 countries affected by the visa suspension include a wide range of nations, from Afghanistan to Yemen.