As of January 21st, the State Department will suspend processing immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia.
Under the directive from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, consular officers have been instructed to pause immigrant visa applications from the affected countries while the department reviews procedures to prevent the entry of individuals considered potential “public charges.” The administration said the measure is aimed at stopping abuse of the immigration system.
The new directive also broadens the criteria for visa applicants. It instructs consular officials to evaluate a range of factors, including age, health, family status, financial resources, education, job skills, and any prior use of public assistance, regardless of the applicant’s country of origin. Officers are also directed to assess English proficiency and may conduct interviews in English to determine language ability.
The suspension applies only to immigrant visas (for permanent residency) and does not affect non-immigrant visas, such as tourist or business visas. Demand for temporary visas is expected to increase ahead of the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, which the U.S. will host or co-host.
The 75 affected countries span regions including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
Expanded “Public Charge” Enforcement Measures
The move follows a broader November order tightening rules on applicants deemed likely to rely on public assistance in the United States. New guidelines released last November for U.S. consular officers allow immigrant visa applications to be denied if an applicant has certain health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. The policy aims to prevent individuals who could become a financial burden on U.S. taxpayers or the Medicare system from entering the country.
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Reeves Immigration Law Group has decades of experience in handling visas and asylum applications and has successfully handled some of the most complex cases. Our team of immigration attorneys understands your concerns and will work with you to provide a personalized approach to meet your immigration needs.
Contact us today to speak with one of our immigration attorneys regarding recent legislative changes and for help with setting up your case for success.
