US Visa Ban: The Trump administration in US has ordered an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing (visas related to permanent residency) for citizens of 75 countries. This decision is based on the concern that some applicants may become a “public charge” in the US and become dependent on government welfare programs and public benefits.
When will entry to the US be restricted for citizens of these countries?
According to directives from the US State Department and public statements by senior administration officials, this suspension will be effective from January 21. US embassies and consulates worldwide have been instructed to halt the processing of immigrant visas to allow for a review of screening and waiting procedures under existing immigration laws.
US Visa Processing Freeze: US gets tough: Immigration ban on those likely to become a ‘public charge’
State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, “Trump administration is ending the abuse of America’s immigration system. Those who seek to take advantage of the generosity of the American people and become a burden on the country’s resources will be stopped.” He added that State Department will use its long-standing legal authority to disqualify prospective immigrants who are likely to become a ‘public charge’ in the US and rely on welfare programs.
US Visa Ban List of 75 Countries: White House provides details
According to a State Department memo, first reported by Fox News Digital, consular officers have been instructed to reject visa applications under the “public charge” provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act during the review period. This suspension is described as indefinite and will remain in effect until the review is complete. The White House also confirmed the move via social media. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X, “The U.S. has frozen all visa processing for 75 countries, including Somalia, Russia, and Iran.”
US Visa Application Freeze: Which countries are banned?
However, complete list of affected countries has not yet been officially released. According to media reports, the decision will apply to several countries in Africa, Asia, Middle East, Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America, including Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Thailand, and Brazil. India is not included in this list.
World News Today: Administration says both immigrant and non-immigrant visas affected
The administration has clarified that exemptions from this ban will be granted only in very limited cases, and only when the applicant has addressed all concerns related to the “public charge” rule. It’s worth noting that immigrant visas include family-based green cards, employment-based categories, and humanitarian protection, which lead to permanent residency. Non-immigrant visas, on the other hand, are temporary and include tourism, business, student visas, short-term work permits, investor visas, and diplomatic or media assignments.
US Visa Ban: Pakistan also included in the ban!
Pakistan’s inclusion on the list is particularly noteworthy, given its overt attempts to appease Donald Trump. Following military tensions with India, the Pakistani leadership credited Trump with brokering a ceasefire, yet still failed to escape the US no-entry list.
