US To Pause Visa Processing For 75 Countries – Check Affected Nations | World News
US Visa: As part of a crackdown on immigrants deemed likely to become “public charges,” the United States State Department will reportedly pause visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. It is reported that the pause will be effective from January 21.
The pause will reportedly remain in effect indefinitely until the US State Department completes a re-evaluation of visa processing.
What is Public Fee?
Add Zee News as Preferred Source
The public charge is a U.S. immigration standard used to evaluate whether a noncitizen may become primarily dependent on government assistance, which may affect entry or green card eligibility.
According to ANI, public spending focuses on cash assistance and long-term government-supported institutional care and often does not take into account most non-cash benefits.
Also Read- Trump Revives Greenland Crackdown, Says US Needs It for ‘National Security’, Calls Anything Less ‘Unacceptable’
Countries Affected by US Visa Pressure
ANI reported, citing Fox News, that the affected countries include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand and Yemen, among others.
According to Fox News, a State Department memo instructs consular officers to deny visas under current law while the department reevaluates its screening and vetting procedures.
Somalia has reportedly come under special scrutiny following the massive fraud scandal in Minnesota, where prosecutors uncovered allegations of misuse of taxpayer-funded welfare programs, and some of those involved were Somali citizens or Somali Americans.
USA Visa Printing
Fox News reported that in November 2025, the State Department in a cable sent to missions around the world instructed consular officers to enforce expanded screening rules under the “public charge” provision of immigration law.
The guidance instructs officers to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to receive public benefits, taking into account many factors, including health, age, English proficiency, financial situation and the potential need for long-term medical care. Fox News reported that applicants who are elderly or overweight, as well as those who have previously used any form of government cash assistance or institutionalization, may also face rejection.
Under the new pause, exceptions will be “very limited” and will only be allowed after the applicant clarifies public spending issues.
(with ANI entries)
