Map shows 75 countries on US visa processing pause list
USA Today • • world
Key Points:
- The Trump administration announced it will halt issuing immigrant visas to people from 75 countries, citing concerns that these immigrants "extract wealth" from American taxpayers once in the U.S.
- The affected countries include Russia, Iran, Somalia, Haiti, and Cuba, though the full list was not publicly released by the State Department.
- The policy aims to reduce the number of immigrants who could become "public charges," meaning those reliant on government benefits, with officials estimating potential taxpayer savings of $9 billion annually.
- Starting November 2025, visa applicants from these countries will be evaluated on health, age, English proficiency, finances, and potential need for long-term medical care before issuance.
- The visa freeze will take effect on January 21 and will
