The US State Department announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing on Wednesday for citizens of 75 countries, effective 21 January.
The directive, revealed in an internal memo first reported by Fox News Digital, aims to bar applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge” or a financial burden on the American welfare system.
The affected list includes Russia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Nigeria, Egypt, and Somalia, among others. While the freeze targets permanent residency pathways (green cards), short-term non-immigrant visas for tourism, business, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup remain unaffected.
This move marks one of the most significant escalations in President Trump’s efforts to restrict legal immigration since returning to office.
“Public Charge”
The suspension is rooted in a toughened application of the “public charge” provision, a long-standing law that allows the government to deny entry to those likely to rely on public assistance.
Under the new guidance led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, consular officers are instructed to weigh factors such as health, age, English proficiency, and financial status more aggressively.
The policy follows a November proposal to expand the list of considered benefits to include non-cash assistance like Medicaid and food stamps (SNAP).
Critics and legal experts argue this creates a wealth-based barrier that could block nearly 315,000 legal immigrants annually, particularly impacting applicants from developing nations in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.
Official Stance
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott defended the decision, stating that the administration is “bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people.”
The department specifically cited a massive fraud scandal in Minnesota involving Somali benefit programmes as a catalyst for heightened vetting. The internal cable directs embassies to refuse visas under existing law while a comprehensive reassessment of screening procedures is conducted.
White House representatives added that the move ensures public assistance programmes intended for American citizens are not being exploited by foreign nationals, reinforcing the administration’s “America First” agenda.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that while a nation must ensure the sustainability of its welfare systems, such policies should be implemented with deep empathy and respect for human dignity.
Creating a wealth-based filter for the “American Dream” risks isolating hard-working individuals and families who seek to contribute their talents and diversity to a global society.
True progress is achieved through dialogue and coexistence, not by building administrative walls that disproportionately target the world’s most vulnerable. We advocate for a compassionate immigration system that prioritises security without sacrificing the spirit of kindness.
