U.S. Halts Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Nations, Citing Public Charge Concerns

WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States Department of State has announced a significant policy shift, indefinitely suspending the processing of immigrant visas for individuals from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This sweeping measure, which targets applicants deemed likely to become a "public charge" and rely on government assistance, marks a substantial tightening of legal pathways to permanent residency in the U.S.

The State Department justified the suspension by asserting that migrants from these 75 nations "take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates," with the freeze intended to ensure new immigrants "will not extract wealth from the American people." This latest action expands upon previous immigration restrictions enacted by the administration, which have consistently aimed to limit both legal and illegal immigration.

Scope and Rationale of the New Policy

The directive specifically targets immigrant visas, which are sought by those intending to establish permanent residency in the U.S., including family-based and employment-based categories. Crucially, non-immigrant visas, such as those for tourists, business travelers, students (F, J, M visas), and temporary workers (H-1B, H-2B, L), are not affected by this suspension. U.S. officials have emphasized this distinction, particularly as the nation prepares to host major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, which are expected to draw a sharp increase in non-immigrant visitors.

The policy builds on a broader order issued in November that heightened scrutiny on potential immigrants who could pose a financial burden. While federal law has long required individuals seeking permanent residency to demonstrate they would not become a public charge, the administration has previously expanded the scope of benefit programs that could lead to disqualification. The State Department, currently led by Secretary Marco Rubio, stated that the suspension will remain active until screening procedures are reassessed to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who might utilize welfare and public benefits.

Affected Countries and Implementation

The list of 75 affected countries spans diverse regions globally, including Latin America and the Caribbean, the Balkans, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Prominent nations on the list include Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, and Yemen.

According to reports, the directive was communicated via an internal State Department memorandum to consular posts, instructing officers to pause or delay immigrant visa processing. While applicants can still submit applications and attend interviews, visas will not be approved or issued during this indefinite pause. Exceptions to the suspension include certain diplomatic and official visas, immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution (such as those in Iran), specific Special Immigrant Visas, participants in designated international sporting events, and lawful permanent residents. Dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a country not on the restricted list are also exempt. Notably, existing valid visas issued prior to the effective date will not be revoked.

Economic and Social Implications

The suspension is projected to have significant ramifications for individuals, families, and businesses. Immigration experts estimate that the policy could result in the denial of nearly half of all legal immigrants to the U.S., potentially impacting approximately 315,000 individuals over the next year. This includes those seeking family reunification, employment-based green cards, and diversity lottery winners from the affected countries, who now face indefinite delays.

Critics argue that the policy risks separating families and harming businesses that rely on foreign talent. An immigration attorney highlighted concerns that many immigrants already face strict limitations on public assistance and questioned the administration's rationale, suggesting that the list of affected countries appears to follow a familiar pattern of targeting specific nations. Economists, drawing on past visa suspensions, have warned that such restrictions could incur significant economic costs, potentially amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs lost, while also stifling innovation and leading to increased outsourcing. Some analysts suggest that any perceived welfare savings from the new policy could be overshadowed by an immediate loss of foreign direct investment and broader economic benefits.

The implementation via an internal directive, rather than a publicly released law or regulation, has also raised concerns among legal experts regarding the lack of transparency and potential challenges in court. While formal refusals may be delayed, the practical effect is an indefinite halt for many applicants seeking to build new lives in the United States.