The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that it will suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, citing concerns that certain immigrants may require public assistance upon entering the United States. The directive is part of a broader policy initiative from November that tightened restrictions on potential immigrants deemed likely to become "public charges."

The suspension specifically applies to immigrant visas, while non-immigrant applications — including temporary tourist, student, and business visas — remain unaffected. According to the announcement, the pause will begin on January 21 and targets countries with historically higher rates of public benefits usage among migrants, including Afghanistan, Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Nigeria, Russia, and Somalia.

Under the policy, consular officers will review applications more closely, considering factors such as income, health, education, and prior use of public assistance. The temporary halt will remain in effect until screening procedures can ensure that applicants demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. The State Department emphasized that the measure is intended to enforce a longstanding law that bars entry to individuals likely to become a burden on public resources.

Officials clarified that temporary visas for tourism, business, study, and other short-term purposes are still available, allowing international visitors and students to continue traveling to the United States without disruption. The policy reflects the administration’s ongoing focus on controlling immigration flows while prioritizing economic self-reliance among new arrivals.

The announcement has sparked debate among immigration advocates, who argue that it could unfairly impact certain communities. However, supporters contend that the measure strengthens enforcement of existing laws and protects U.S. taxpayers by ensuring that incoming immigrants are capable of financial independence.

75 Countries:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.