United States to Suspend Immigration Visa Issuance for Citizens of 75 Nations

The United States government has announced plans to halt the issuance of immigration visas to applicants from 75 countries, with the suspension expected to take effect later this month. The US Department of State has indicated that the measure is scheduled to be implemented starting January 21 and will remain in force until further notice as the visa review process undergoes revision.

The countries impacted by this policy change reportedly include Russia, Iran, Yemen, Afghanistan, Brazil, Thailand, Nigeria, Egypt, and Somalia, among others. According to the Department of State, the primary objective of this measure is to address concerns regarding applicants who may become reliant on US public assistance, thereby placing a financial burden on government resources.

The Department plans to exercise its authority to prevent individuals who might exploit the country's welfare systems from entering the United States. Officials emphasized that the revised approach seeks to deter potential immigrants who could be dependent on public benefits, such as health or social aid, due to factors like age, health status, or insufficient English proficiency.

It is important to note that the suspension will specifically apply to immigration visas. Applications for tourist and business visas will not be affected and will continue to be processed under existing procedures. The Department underscored that the move aims to curb abuses of the immigration system by restricting access to those who might otherwise secure entry and subsequently apply for social support.

This policy shift follows previous administrative directives that tightened scrutiny on visa applicants from certain regions. In late 2025, US diplomatic outposts were instructed to apply more stringent evaluation processes, with a focus on rejecting applications where there was a likelihood of dependence on government assistance.

Existing regulations already allow for the denial of visas to individuals assessed as likely to become public charges. However, the enforcement of these rules has historically varied, providing discretion to US consulates abroad. The new guidance aims to standardize and intensify the application of these criteria, leaving less room for individual interpretation by consular officers.

In addition to the planned suspension of new immigration visa issuances, US authorities have also increased efforts to revoke visas previously granted. The Department of State reported that, in the preceding year, approximately 100,000 visas were annulled--a figure more than double that of the year before. These cancellations were attributed to violations of US immigration and residency regulations by the visa holders.

The immigration policy update is part of a broader strategy to reform the US visa system, with the stated intention of safeguarding public finances and ensuring that immigration channels are not misused. The government has reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the immigration process while continuing to allow legitimate travel for tourism and business purposes.

As the new rules come into effect, US embassies and consulates worldwide are expected to implement the updated procedures, affecting thousands of prospective immigrants across multiple continents. The Department of State has indicated that the suspension will remain in place until a comprehensive review of the current visa issuance process is concluded and new guidelines are established.