General · 14 January 2026
US suspends immigrant visas for 75 countries
The State Department announced it will suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are deemed likely to require public assistance. Secretary Marco Rubio instructed consular officers to halt applications starting January 21, following a November order tightening public charge rules. The affected countries include Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, Brazil, and Egypt. The suspension does not apply to temporary tourist or business visas. The decision reflects broader Trump administration efforts to restrict immigration from countries whose nationals might rely on welfare benefits. Officials will reassess immigration processing procedures during the pause.
Reported by PBS · How we write briefs