The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday the suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia, identified by the Trump administration as likely to depend on public assistance in the United States.
Under the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department directed consular officers to stop accepting immigrant visa applications from the affected countries following a broader order issued in November. This order aimed to tighten regulations concerning potential immigrants who may become “public charges” in the U.S.
Starting January 21, the suspension will not impact applicants seeking non-immigrant visas, such as temporary tourist or business visas, which constitute the majority of visa requests. Anticipated growth in demand for non-immigrant visas is attributed to the upcoming hosting of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics by the U.S.
In a statement, the department highlighted the administration’s commitment to preventing exploitation of the U.S. immigration system by individuals seeking welfare and public benefits. The reassessment of immigration processing procedures for the 75 countries paused immigrant visa processing to ensure the prevention of entry by foreign nationals likely to rely on government assistance.
President Donald Trump’s administration has previously restricted both immigrant and non-immigrant visa processing for citizens from various countries, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The recent decision aligns with November’s guidelines, instructing U.S. Embassy and Consulate officials to thoroughly vet visa applicants to demonstrate self-sufficiency without public benefits post-entry to the U.S.
The updated guidelines further expand the requirements for those seeking permanent residency or legal status, broadening the range of benefit programs that could impact applicants’ eligibility. Consular officials are instructed to evaluate various aspects of visa applicants, including age, health, family status, finances, education, skills, and past use of public assistance across all countries.
Additionally, the directive emphasizes the assessment of English proficiency among applicants, potentially through English interviews. Experts foresee stricter limitations on entry into the U.S., given the administration’s continuous tightening of immigration rules.
The countries affected by the visa processing suspension include Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Somalia, and several others listed below.