US Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing From These 75 Countries
In a bold move to tighten immigration controls, the United States Department of State has announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing from 75 countries. The decision, revealed on January 14, targets nations whose nationals are deemed likely to become a ‘public charge’ — relying on public welfare upon arrival in the US. This policy shift, effective from January 21, underscores the “Trump administration’s commitment to prioritising American resources and curbing what it describes as the abuse of the country’s generosity”.
The announcement came via a series of posts on X from the official State Department account. “The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates,” the department stated. “The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.”
A follow-up post highlighted specific examples: “The pause impacts dozens of countries – including Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea – whose immigrants often become public charges on the United States upon arrival. We are working to ensure the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused.”
The department emphasised the administration’s stance with, “The Trump Administration will always put America First,” and added a stern warning: “If you come to the United States to rob Americans, President Trump will throw you in jail and send you back to the place from where you came.”
This pause specifically applies to immigrant visas, which allow foreign nationals to seek permanent residency in the US, often through family reunification or employment sponsorships. It does not affect non-immigrant visas, such as those for tourists, students, or temporary workers. Consular officers have been instructed to halt processing while the department reassesses procedures under the ‘public charge’ rule –a long-standing provision in US immigration law that bars entry to those likely to depend on government benefits like food stamps, housing assistance, or Medicaid.
The move builds on a November 2025 directive that intensified scrutiny of applicants’ financial self-sufficiency, health, age, and English proficiency.
The full list of affected countries, as reported across multiple sources, includes a diverse array spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen (The BBC reported that a full list of countries has not been officially released by the State Department, though leaks and media outlets have compiled it based on internal memos).
These nations were selected based on data showing high rates of their immigrants utilising public benefits, according to US officials.
As the world anticipates the World Cup later this year, assurances have been made that tourist visas remain unaffected, ensuring fans from listed countries can still attend — provided they meet standard requirements.
However, the broader implications for global mobility are profound, potentially reshaping migration patterns and straining US embassies worldwide. The State Department has not provided a timeline for the review’s completion, leaving thousands of applicants in limbo. Those with pending applications are advised to contact their local US consulate for guidance. This policy, while controversial, reinforces the administration’s ‘America First’ doctrine, prioritising self-sufficiency in immigration.
