The United States State Department has announced that it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the US. This move is in line with a broader order issued in November that tightened rules around potential immigrants who might become “public charges” in the country.
According to the State Department, led by Secretary Mike Pompeo, not Marco Rubio, consular officers have been instructed to halt immigrant visa applications from the affected countries starting January 21. However, this suspension will not apply to applicants seeking non-immigrant visas, such as temporary tourist or business visas.
The Trump administration has stated that the move aims to prevent the abuse of America’s immigration system by individuals who would rely on public benefits. The department said in a statement, “Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”
Although the list of affected countries has not been made public, a US official revealed that it includes Russia, Iran, Somalia, Afghanistan, Brazil, and Egypt, among others. This development is part of the administration’s efforts to restrict immigrant and non-immigrant visa processing for citizens of dozens of countries, many of which are in Africa.
The move is significant, as it reflects the administration’s ongoing efforts to reform the US immigration system. The suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of these 75 countries is likely to have a substantial impact on individuals and families who were planning to move to the US. The State Department’s decision is expected to be closely watched by immigration advocates, lawmakers, and the international community.
In recent years, the US has seen a significant shift in its immigration policies, with a focus on reducing the number of immigrants entering the country. This latest move is part of a broader effort to enforce stricter immigration rules and ensure that those who enter the US are self-sufficient and do not rely on public assistance. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the suspension of immigrant visa processing will affect the US immigration landscape and the individuals affected by this decision.
