US Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing For 75 Countries Including Russia And Iran

Last Updated:January 14, 2026, 21:59 IST

According to a US State Department memo circulated to consular posts, officers have been directed to refuse visas under existing immigration law.

The pause is set to begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely.

The US State Department is pausing immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries as part of a renewed effort to block entry to people deemed likely to rely on public welfare benefits. According to a State Department memo circulated to consular posts, officers have been directed to refuse visas under existing immigration law while the department reassesses its screening and vetting procedures. The pause is set to begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely.

Countries affected include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand and Yemen, among others. A US State Department spokesperson told Fox News that the move reflects stricter enforcement of the “public charge" provision of US immigration law, which allows authorities to deny entry to individuals considered likely to depend on government assistance.

What Is ‘Public Charge’ Rule?

The public charge provision has existed for decades but has been applied unevenly across different administrations. It gives consular officers broad discretion to deny visas based on an applicant’s likelihood of relying on public benefits.

Under new guidance sent to consulates worldwide in November 2025, officers have been instructed to apply the rule more aggressively. Factors to be weighed include an applicant’s health, age, English proficiency, financial resources and potential need for long-term medical care. The guidance allows visa denials for applicants who are older, overweight, have previously received government cash assistance or have a history of institutional care.

Why Are Some Countries Facing Heightened Scrutiny?

Somalia has drawn particular attention following a major fraud scandal in Minnesota involving the misuse of taxpayer-funded benefit programmes. Federal prosecutors said many of those implicated were Somali nationals or Somali Americans, prompting closer scrutiny from immigration authorities. The US State Department said immigration from the 75 listed countries will be paused while officials reassess procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals likely to rely on welfare or public benefits.

What Happens Next?

The US State Department said exceptions to the pause will be “very limited" and only granted once applicants clear public charge concerns. The move comes as the Donald Trump administration intensifies its broader immigration crackdown, which has already seen tens of thousands of visas revoked since his return to office.

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