The U.S. Department of State has announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 designated countries, effective January 21, 2026.
kabul 24: The suspension affects nationals from a wide range of nations, including several Latin American countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay; Balkan states like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania; Asian countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh; as well as numerous nations across Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean region.
According to an internal State Department cable reviewed by Reuters, the department is conducting a “comprehensive review” of all visa policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure the “highest level of vetting and verification” for all U.S. visa applicants.
The cable, sent to U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide, states that there are indications that nationals from these 75 countries have previously utilized public benefits in the United States. It emphasizes that applicants from these nations are considered to be at “high risk” of becoming a “public charge,” meaning they may rely on federal, state, or local government resources after arrival.
The policy, first reported by Fox News, applies specifically to immigrant visas and does not affect non-immigrant visas, such as tourist (B-1/B-2) visas. This distinction has drawn attention in light of the United States hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Summer Olympics in 2028.
Tammy Pigott, Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, stated that the department will exercise its legal authority under U.S. immigration law to deem certain immigrants inadmissible if they are likely to become a public charge.
She confirmed that immigrant visa processing from the listed 75 countries will remain paused pending the completion of the full policy review.
The State Department cable also instructs consular officers to refuse any immigrant visa applications that have been approved but not yet printed, as well as those that have been printed but not yet collected or issued from the consular section.
This move is part of a broader effort to strengthen immigration vetting procedures and reduce the potential fiscal burden on U.S. public resources.
The list of affected countries and the duration of the suspension will be determined following the conclusion of the ongoing comprehensive review.
