U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries Over Public Assistance Concerns

The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday a suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens from 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia. This decision, effective January 21, stems from concerns that nationals from these countries are more likely to utilize public assistance in the United States.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that consular officers have been instructed to halt immigrant visa applications from the affected countries, aligning with a broader order issued in November that tightened rules around potential immigrants who might become "public charges" in the U.S.

The suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as temporary tourist or business visas, which constitute the majority of visa applications. However, a separate notice sent to U.S. embassies and consulates indicated that non-immigrant visa applicants should be screened for the possibility that they might seek public benefits in the United States.

The State Department emphasized that the suspension aims to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare ... . The department stated, "Immigrant visa processing from these ... esses immigration processing procedures to prevent the ... ."

This move builds on earlier immigration and travel ... Trump's ongoing efforts to tighten U ...

The countries affected by the suspension include Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua ... , and Yemen.