In a significant shift in immigration policy, the United States Department of State has announced the indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This sweeping measure comes as federal authorities initiate a comprehensive reassessment of visa approval procedures nationwide.
The policy change, formally communicated through the Department’s official social media channels, cites concerns over disproportionate welfare utilization by migrants from the affected nations. “The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates,” the statement declared. “The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.”
Among the impacted nations are Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea—countries whose immigrants, according to the statement, “often become public charges on the United States upon arrival.” The Department emphasized its commitment to preventing exploitation of American public assistance systems, asserting that “the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused.”
This development follows stricter enforcement guidelines distributed to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide in November 2025. The diplomatic cable mandated intensified screening protocols under existing “public charge” provisions within immigration law. Consular officers received instructions to deny visas to applicants demonstrating potential dependence on public benefits based on multiple criteria including health status, age, financial stability, English language proficiency, and potential requirements for long-term medical care. Previous utilization of government assistance programs or institutionalization may also result in application denial.
The comprehensive list of affected countries spans multiple continents and includes nations from Afghanistan to Yemen, with significant representation from African, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American regions. Other notable countries subject to the suspension include Brazil, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guatemala, Iraq, Jamaica, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Sudan, Syria, and Uzbekistan.