The U.S. Department of State will pause the processing of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries starting January 21, as part of a broader review of immigration screening rules aimed at blocking cases considered likely to become a public charge.
According to officials, the pause will apply only to immigrant visas issued to individuals seeking permanent residence in the United States. Non-immigrant visas, including tourist, student and business visas, will not be affected.
Countries reportedly included in the list range across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, and include Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Somalia, Brazil, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand and Yemen, among others.
U.S. officials said consular officers have been instructed to halt decisions on affected immigrant visa applications while the State Department reassesses how public-charge provisions are applied overseas. Under U.S. immigration law, applicants may be deemed ineligible if they are considered likely to rely on government assistance after entering the country.
The pause has been described as indefinite, with no timeline given for when normal processing may resume. Authorities said the suspension will remain in place until the review of visa screening procedures is completed.
The move comes amid a wider tightening of U.S. immigration policy, including increased scrutiny of legal immigration pathways. Immigration advocates have raised concerns that the decision could delay family reunifications and disrupt plans for thousands of applicants who had already begun the visa process.
The State Department has not released a full official list of the affected countries or provided estimates on how many applicants may be impacted by the pause. (Newswire)