Washington, D.C. – In a significant escalation of its immigration crackdown, the Trump administration has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries. The policy, aimed at preventing applicants likely to become a “public charge” — reliant on U.S. government benefits or welfare — takes effect on January 21, 2026.

The U.S. Department of State, in an update published on January 14, 2026, confirmed the pause on issuing immigrant visas (for permanent residency or green cards) to applicants from the listed countries. This move follows a November 2025 cable directing consular officers worldwide to enforce stricter screening under the existing public charge grounds of inadmissibility in U.S. immigration law.

Key Details of the Policy

Applicants from the affected countries can still submit applications and attend visa interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause. Limited exceptions apply, such as for certain dual nationals using passports from unaffected countries.

The suspension does not impact non-immigrant visas, including tourist (B-1/B-2), business, or student visas, unless subject to separate restrictions.

Why This Decision?

The State Department stated it is exercising long-standing legal authority to bar entry to those who may become primarily dependent on public benefits, protecting American taxpayers from exploitation. Consular officers will rigorously evaluate factors such as:

Health condition
Age
English language proficiency
Financial situation
Education and skills
History or potential use of cash assistance
Need for long-term medical care

The pause will continue until the department completes a full review of screening procedures to strengthen enforcement against welfare dependency.

Somalia faces particular scrutiny amid reports of fraud and misuse of taxpayer-funded programs (e.g., child care and nutrition assistance) in areas like Minneapolis, Minnesota, involving Somali nationals and Somali-Americans.

Full List of Affected Countries

The suspension applies to nationals of the following 75 countries (as confirmed by the State Department and multiple reports):

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Bhutan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Burma (Myanmar)
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Colombia
Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Cuba
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dominica
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
The Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyz Republic
Laos
Lebanon
Liberia
Libya
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Nepal
Nicaragua
Nigeria
North Macedonia
Pakistan
Republic of the Congo
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Yemen

This policy represents one of the broadest restrictions on legal immigration pathways in recent years, affecting nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and beyond.

For the latest official details, visit the U.S. Department of State website at travel.state.gov. Applicants and stakeholders are advised to monitor updates closely, as the situation may evolve.