A major policy move that’s been widely reported in the news:
Core Reason: Public Assistance / “Public Charge” Concerns
The U.S. State Department says it is pausing immigrant visa processing from 75 countries because many nationals from those countries are seen as likely to become dependent on U.S. government benefits (often called “public assistance” or being a “public charge”). Under U.S. immigration law, applicants can be denied if they are judged likely to rely on public benefits rather than supporting themselves financially. (KPBS Public Media)
What the Administration Says It’s Trying to Do
According to government statements:
-
- The suspension allows the State Department to reassess and tighten how it screens visa applicants to prevent the entry of people it believes would use public welfare programs. (KPBS Public Media)
- Officials say this step is meant to protect “American taxpayer resources” and enforce long-standing public charge rules more strictly. (PBS)
This policy expands on previously tightened standards under the public charge rule (including actions taken during the Trump administration’s first term), which required applicants to show financial stability and not be likely to need government support. (KPBS Public Media)
How It Works
-
- Immigrant visas only: The pause applies to permanent immigration visas — not travelers coming under temporary or non-immigrant visas like tourism or business. (KPBS Public Media)
- Assessment factors: Consular officers are being instructed to consider a variety of factors — such as age, finances, education, health, family status, English ability, and any previous use of public assistance — to judge whether a person might rely on government benefits in the U.S. (WBUR)
- Review period: The halt is described as indefinite while procedures are reassessed; there is no publicly announced end date yet. (Greenspoon Marder LLP)
Broader Context
This move is part of a larger immigration policy shift under the current administration that emphasizes stricter controls on both legal and illegal immigration. It comes alongside other visa and travel restrictions introduced recently. Critics argue it could disproportionately affect people from lower-income countries and make family reunification harder. (The Washington Post)
🇺🇸 List of Affected Countries
The U.S. State Department will pause immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries effective January 21, 2026. This applies to permanent or long-term visas (e.g., family-based green cards, employment visas, diversity lottery winners) — but does not apply to most non-immigrant visas like tourist, business, or student visas (though those applicants may face tougher screening). (KPBS Public Media)
Here’s the full list of affected countries (reported by multiple U.S. news outlets and government sources): (KPBS Public Media)
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, 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. (KPBS Public Media)
📌 Who This Affects Most
- Family-based Immigrant Visa Applicants
-
- People trying to join family members living permanently in the U.S. (e.g., spouses, parents, children) will have their cases paused, meaning interviews and approvals are delayed indefinitely until further notice. (AP News)
- Employment/Skill-Based Immigrant Applicants
-
- Workers sponsored by U.S. employers for green cards (like EB-2, EB-3 categories) from the listed countries will also see processing halted under the new directive. (Reuters)
- Diversity Visa (DV) Winners
-
- Winners of the U.S. Diversity Visa lottery from these countries may find their immigrant visa issuances paused — even if selected. (The Guardian)
- Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants
-
- Tourist (B-2), business (B-1), student (F-1), and similar non-immigrant visitors are not part of this suspension. Those applications will continue, though consular officers are now instructed to more rigorously evaluate the likelihood of future public benefit use. (Al Jazeera)
- Current Visa Holders & U.S. Residents
-
- People who already have a valid visa or are in the U.S. with lawful status (including those adjusting status domestically) are not directly affected by this pause. Their visas remain valid, and they can continue other immigration processes. (AP News)
✨ Key Impacts
- Delays and uncertainty for permanent residency seekers from many countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. (The Guardian)
- Increased vetting at U.S. embassies and consulates, with added emphasis on financial stability, health, education, and English proficiency in assessing potential reliance on public assistance. (KPBS Public Media)
- Broad policy shift: Critics say this could dramatically reduce legal immigration and disproportionately affect people from lower-income nations. (Al Jazeera)
