Washington, Jan 14, (NationPress) The Trump administration has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for individuals from 75 countries, citing worries that applicants could become a “public charge” and rely on American welfare and public benefits, as indicated by a State Department directive and remarks from senior officials.

This measure, effective from January 21, instructs US consular officers globally to cease the processing of immigrant visas while the department evaluates its current screening and vetting protocols in accordance with existing immigration law.

“The Trump administration is putting an end to the misuse of America’s immigration framework by those who would take advantage of the nation’s resources,” said State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott in an official statement.

“The State Department will exercise its longstanding powers to classify as ineligible potential immigrants who may become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American populace,” he emphasized.

Pigott noted that the processing of immigrant visas from these 75 nations would be paused while the department reviews its procedures “to avert the entry of foreign nationals who would rely on welfare and public benefits.”

A memo from the State Department, initially reported by Fox News Digital, directs consular officers to deny visas under the Immigration and Nationality Act’s “public charge” provision during this review phase. The suspension is described as indefinite and will remain until the reassessment concludes.

The White House reinforced this policy shift through an official social media announcement. “US freezes all visa processing for 75 countries, including Somalia, Russia, Iran,” stated White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in a post on X.

Although a comprehensive list of the affected countries has not yet been made publicly available, this action impacts a diverse array of nations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America, including Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Thailand, and Brazil, according to the news channel.

The administration indicated that exceptions to this suspension would be “very limited” and only considered once an applicant has addressed public charge concerns.

Immigrant visas, which lead to permanent residency, encompass family-based green cards, employment-based categories, and humanitarian protections. In contrast, non-immigrant visas are temporary and cover tourist and business travel, student visas, short-term work permits, investor visas, and diplomatic or media assignments.