US has suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries; see the complete list

The U.S. has traditionally denied visas to applicants seen as potential welfare dependents, and the State Department says it will now apply that power to broadly halt immigrant visas based on nationality.

The Donald Trump administration has suspended the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries indefinitely, in one of its most significant efforts yet to restrict legal entry into the United States.

The suspension will take effect on January 21 and will target individuals from countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe based on their nationality.

Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, and Thailand are among the affected countries.

According to reports, the measure will only apply to those seeking to live and work permanently in the US, not tourists or temporary workers.

The Trump administration had already implemented stricter vetting rules for foreigners and residents last year and has now imposed this new restriction on what is considered one of the world’s strictest visa-screening systems.

Why the United States halted visa processing for 75 nations

The United States has long rejected visas for individuals who might require government assistance, but the State Department said it will now use that same authority to completely suspend immigrant visas based on nationality.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, “The Trump administration is ending the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who seek to take advantage of American taxpayers.”

He added, “Immigrant visa processing will be suspended for these 75 countries while the State Department reviews immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would likely rely on welfare and public benefits.”

A US official told the news agency AFP that there is no set timeframe for the suspension to end.

The administration’s claim that immigrants abuse government resources contradicts studies by the Cato Institute, the American Immigration Council, and other groups, which have found that immigrants use fewer benefits than US-born Americans.

Who will not be affected

This new measure will not affect tourists, business travelers, or those on other types of visas, including soccer fans coming for this year’s World Cup, although the Trump administration has pledged to review the social media history of all applicants.

Those with dual nationality and a valid passport from a country not on the list will also be exempt, as will applicants who can demonstrate that their travel will serve the “America First” national interest.

According to a cable issued by the US State Department, if a visa has already been approved but not yet printed, the consular officer “should refuse the case.”

The new restrictions are expected to have the greatest impact on family-based immigration, primarily affecting the spouses, children, and other close relatives of US citizens who would otherwise be eligible for permanent residency.

List of countries affected by the US decision to pause visa processing

1. Afghanistan
2. Albania
3. Algeria
4. Antigua and Barbuda
5. Armenia.
6. Azerbaijan
7. Bahamas
8. Bangladesh
9. Barbados
10. Belarus
11. Belize
12. Bhutan
13. Bosnia and Herzegovina
14. Brazil
15. Myanmar
16. Cambodia
17. Cameroon
18. Cape Verde
19. Colombia
20. Côte d’Ivoire
21. Cuba
22. Democratic Republic of the Congo
23. Dominica
24. Egypt
25. Eritrea
26. Ethiopia
27. Fiji
28. The Gambia
29. Georgia
30. Ghana
31. Grenada
32. Guatemala.
33. Guinea
34. Haiti
35. Iran
36. Iraq
37. Jamaica
38. Jordan
39. Kazakhstan
40. Kosovo
41. Kuwait
42. Kyrgyzstan
43. Laos
44. Lebanon
45. Liberia
46. Libya
47. North Macedonia
48. Moldova
49. Mongolia
50. Montenegro
51. Morocco
52. Nepal
53. Nicaragua
54. Nigeria
55. Pakistan
56. Republic of the Congo
57. Russia
58. Rwanda
59. St Kitts and Nevis
60. St Lucia
61. St Vincent and the Grenadines
62. Senegal
63. Sierra Leone
64. Somalia
65. South Sudan
66. Sudan
67. Syria
68. Tanzania
69. Thailand
70. Togo
71. Tunisia
72. Uganda
73. Uruguay
74. Uzbekistan
75. Yemen

Trump has hardened his already tough stance on immigration

Trump has made no secret of his desire to reduce immigration from non-European countries. He has referred to Somali people as “garbage” who “should go back to where they came from” and instead said he would welcome Scandinavians to the United States.

The State Department said on Monday that it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since Trump took office, a record for a single year.

The Department of Homeland Security said last month that the Trump administration has deported more than 605,000 people, and another 2.5 million have left voluntarily.