U.S. Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries Citing 'Public Charge' Concerns
The State Department will indefinitely pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries starting Jan. 21, citing public‑charge concerns as officials reassess vetting procedures and eligibility.
Overview
The State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio and the Trump administration, ordered consulates to halt immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries effective Jan. 21.
Officials said the pause targets applicants they deem likely to become 'public charges,' asserting these countries' migrants use welfare at 'unacceptable rates'.
Decision builds on November guidance expanding vetting to consider age, health, finances, skills, English proficiency and past benefit use to judge applicants' self‑sufficiency.
Nonimmigrant tourist and business visas are exempt, but officials expect demand for temporary visas to rise amid upcoming 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
Critics note research — including a Cato Institute study — showing immigrants use fewer welfare benefits per capita than native‑born Americans, challenging administration's rationale.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this story neutrally: they report official State Department statements, include the full directive and list of affected countries, cite expert warnings about limiting immigration, and note procedural details. Loaded phrases appear as quoted government language; sourcing and balanced context keep editorial framing minimal and informational.
Sources (27)
FAQ
The 'public charge' rule under the Immigration and Nationality Act deems visa applicants inadmissible if likely to depend on U.S. government financial assistance, considering factors like age, health, finances, skills, and English proficiency. Recent November 2025 guidance expanded it to include broader health conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes), family health, and more benefits like Medicaid and SNAP.
Only immigrant visas (family-based and employment-based) for nationals of 75 countries are paused starting January 21, 2026, indefinitely. Nonimmigrant visas like tourist, business, and student visas are exempt; limited exceptions may apply after public charge review.
Affected countries include Somalia, Russia, Iran, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Nigeria, Cuba, Iraq, and others identified as high-risk for public benefits usage.
The pause on immigrant visa processing begins January 21, 2026, and will continue indefinitely until the State Department completes its reassessment of vetting procedures.
Critics cite research, such as a Cato Institute study, showing immigrants use fewer welfare benefits per capita than native-born Americans, challenging the administration's claim of 'unacceptable rates' from these countries.
History
11 sources