U.S. Temporarily Halts Visa Processing for 75 Nations

In a strategic move, the State Department has decided to temporarily stop processing immigrant visas for 75 countries, aiming to address concerns over applicants who might become reliant on public welfare.

A recent directive mandates embassies and consulates to suspend visa decisions starting from January 21. This is part of a broader review of current vetting processes under the nation’s immigration regulations. The internal note detailing this change was initially highlighted by Fox News Digital.

This decision aligns with the upcoming 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., where nearly 2 million tickets have already been bought by global fans. However, a prior announcement clarified that athletes, team officials, necessary support staff, and immediate family traveling to the tournament would not face travel restrictions.

Visa Processing Pause Confirmed

A spokesperson for the State Department confirmed the suspension, emphasizing the agency's focus on assessing the entry procedures for individuals perceived to exploit U.S. public resources.

Among the nations impacted by this pause are Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen. While the complete list of affected countries has yet to be fully disclosed, the State Department is expected to provide additional information.

Reactions and Justifications

Tommy Pigott, the State Department's principal deputy spokesperson, remarked that the administration is keen to curb the misuse of America's immigration framework by those intending to exploit its financial support systems. The department will employ its established powers to refuse visas to applicants identified as potential public burdens.

The temporary suspension is in response to an evaluation of the countries’ visa processing operations. It aims to prevent the admission of individuals who would potentially rely on social benefits once in the United States.