The U.S. State Department will suspend the processing of visa applications from 75 countries starting January 21, including Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and others.
According to a memorandum from the State Department, reviewed by Fox News, consular officers are instructed to deny visas in accordance with existing law until the State Department re-evaluates its screening procedures.
The suspension of visa issuance will continue indefinitely.
In November 2025, a State Department cable sent to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide instructed consular officers to implement new, comprehensive screening rules under the so-called “public charge” provision of U.S. immigration law.
Older or overweight applicants may be denied, along with those who have previously received government financial assistance or other institutional aid.
“Immigration from these 75 countries will be suspended until the State Department revises the processing procedures to prevent entry of foreign nationals who might rely on social assistance and public benefits,” the memorandum states.
Although the public charge provision has existed for decades, its enforcement has varied significantly across administrations, with consular officers historically given wide discretion in applying the standards.
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Source: Euronews; Foto: Annabelle Gordon / Reuters