US suspends visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- The U.S. State Department announced it will suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the U.S., starting January 21.
- This suspension applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect non-immigrant visas such as tourist or business visas.
- The move is part of a broader effort under the Trump administration to tighten rules against potential immigrants considered “public charges” who might rely on welfare and public benefits.
- The affected countries include Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, and several nations in Africa, continuing a trend of visa restrictions on numerous countries under the current administration.
- The State Department stated the pause will allow reassessment of immigration procedures to prevent abuse of the U
