State Department suspending immigrant visas for 75 countries, citing public assistance concerns
PBS • • world
Key Points:
- The U.S. State Department announced it will suspend immigrant visa processing starting January 21 for citizens of 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia, based on concerns over potential public assistance dependency.
- This suspension aligns with a November directive aimed at tightening immigration rules to prevent entry of individuals likely to become "public charges," expanding scrutiny of applicants' finances, health, education, and English proficiency.
- The pause affects only immigrant visas, not non-immigrant visas such as tourist or business visas, which are expected to increase due to upcoming events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics hosted by the U.S.
- The policy reflects the Trump administration's broader efforts to restrict immigration and reduce perceived abuses of
