US to Suspend Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries Under Expanded Immigration Crackdown

The United States is indefinitely suspending immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, a move that further expands the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

According to a US official, the pause will take effect on January 21 and applies to immigrant visas, including those for employment and family reunification. The suspension does not affect non-immigrant visas such as student or tourist visas, meaning it will not impact visitors traveling to the United States for events like this summer’s World Cup.

Countries affected by the suspension include Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, Russia, and dozens of others across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. Many of the countries on the list were already subject to increased restrictions under the administration’s expanded travel ban.

The State Department says the decision follows enhanced scrutiny under the “public charge” provision of immigration law. That policy allows officials to deny visas to individuals deemed likely to rely on public assistance.

In a statement, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said immigrant visa processing from the 75 countries will be paused while the department reassesses procedures. The goal, according to Pigott, is to prevent the entry of foreign nationals the administration believes could become a strain on public resources or exploit public benefits.

The affected countries include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, سوريا, Uganda, Yemen, and many others.

The suspension adds to a series of immigration measures taken by the administration, including limits on asylum, expanded travel bans, and stricter enforcement of visa eligibility rules. Officials have not indicated how long the pause will last or when visa processing may resume for the affected countries.

Credit: CNN Newsource

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.