Washington, USA — The United States Department of State has announced a pause in immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries as part of a move aimed at tightening scrutiny of applicants considered likely to become a public charge.
According to a State Department memo obtained by Fox News Digital, consular officers have been instructed to refuse immigrant visas under existing law while the department reassesses its screening and vetting procedures. The suspension is set to begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely until the review process is completed.
Countries affected by the pause include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Pakistan, and dozens of others. Under the policy, applicants who are older, overweight, have previously received government cash assistance, or have a history of institutionalization could face denial.
“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,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said in a statement.
Immigrant visa processing from the listed 75 countries will remain suspended while the department reassesses procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who may rely on U.S. welfare and public benefits. The comprehensive list includes countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America, such as Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Egypt, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Syria, Thailand, Uganda, and Yemen, among others.
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