US to suspend immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance concerns

The United States will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries after the Trump administration identified their nationals as more likely to rely on public assistance once in the country, the State Department announced on Wednesday.
The suspension, set to take effect on January 21, follows guidance issued in November that tightened immigration rules for applicants deemed at risk of becoming “public charges” in the United States. The directive was issued under Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
According to the State Department, consular officers have been instructed to halt immigrant visa applications from the affected countries while immigration screening procedures are reassessed.
The move will not affect non-immigrant visas, including tourist and business visas, which account for the majority of U.S. visa applications. Demand for these temporary visas is expected to increase significantly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, both of which the United States will host or co-host.
“The Trump administration is ending the abuse of America’s immigration system by individuals who would extract wealth from the American people,” the State Department said in a statement. “Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while we review procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals likely to rely on welfare and public benefits.”
The Trump administration has already imposed sweeping restrictions on immigrant and non-immigrant visas for citizens of dozens of countries, particularly in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The November guidance directed U.S. embassies and consulates to subject immigrant visa applicants to more rigorous vetting to ensure they would not depend on public benefits at any point after entering the United States.
While U.S. law has long required prospective permanent residents to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, Trump expanded the definition of “public charge” during his first term. The latest directive appears to broaden the scope even further.
Immigrant visa applicants are already required to undergo medical examinations conducted by embassy-approved physicians, including screening for communicable diseases, vaccination compliance, substance use history, mental health conditions and violent behavior.
Under the new directive, consular officers must also assess applicants’ age, health, family status, financial resources, education, skills and any prior use of public assistance, regardless of country of origin. English proficiency may also be evaluated, including through interviews conducted in English.
Immigration experts have warned that the expanded requirements could further restrict access to U.S. residency at a time when immigration pathways are already narrowing.
The countries affected by the suspension include Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Somalia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq, Syria, Uganda, Tanzania and dozens of others across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.