The United States (US) Government, through its State Department, has announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Nigeria, Iran and Russia, as part of measures aimed at cracking down on individuals considered likely to become a “public charge”.
A State Department memo directed consular officers to refuse visas under existing immigration laws while the department reassesses its screening and vetting procedures.
Countries affected by the decision include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen and several others.
According to the memo, the pause will commence on January 21 and will continue indefinitely until the State Department completes a reassessment of its visa processing framework.
Recall that in November 2025, a State Department cable circulated to diplomatic posts worldwide instructed consular officers to enforce sweeping new screening rules under the so-called “public charge” provision of US immigration law.
The guidance mandates consular officers to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to rely on public benefits, after weighing factors such as health status, age, English proficiency, financial capacity and possible need for long-term medical care.
Under the policy, older or overweight applicants could be denied visas, alongside individuals with any previous use of government cash assistance or a history of institutionalisation.
“Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused, while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits”, State Department spokesperson, Tommy Piggott said, in an issued statement.
