The U.S. Department of State has paused immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries starting Jan. 21, citing risks of 'public benefits usage.”
The policy will affect permanent residency but not temporary visas (tourist, student, work).
The suspension, which the Trump administration says will prevent immigrants from becoming a 'public charge' includes countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, with exceptions for dual nationals using other passports, which aims at stopping immigrants likely to use U.S. welfare and public benefits.
Visa affected include immigrant visas for permanent residency and green cards via consular processing.
This action continues the Trump administration's efforts to tighten entry standards and reduce reliance on public assistance by new immigrants, as detailed in recent government cables and reports.
The policy is expected to significantly impact immigrant visa processing at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, including a halt on final issuance, printing and releasing of visas, Embassies may continue to accept applications and conduct interviews.
Additionally, consular officers have been instructed to refuse immigrant visas that were already approved.
Many of the 75 countries were already subject to full or partial travel restrictions effective Jan.1. For these countries, the new pause may have a limited practical impact as most applicants were already ineligible for visas unless they qualified for a rare exception.