The Trump administration has suspended visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. This could affect travel, education, business and family reunification across large parts of the world. The decision will come into effect on January 21 and will remain in place indefinitely as the US reassesses its screening procedures.
The development was first reported by Fox News, citing an internal memo from the US State Department, and later confirmed by a State Department spokesperson to Reuters.
Why was the process suspended?
Under the new guidance, US embassies and consulates have been directed to stop issuing visas to applicants from the listed countries during the review period. However, no clear timeline has been given for when processing might resume, officials have been instructed to refuse visas under existing law as the reassessment continues. The suspension applies to a wide range of nations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, South America and Asia.
Focus on “public charge” concerns
According to the memo referenced in reports, the pause is to increase the scrutiny of applicants considered likely to become a public charge in the United States. Explaining the administration’s position, State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott told Fox News, “The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.”
During this period, consular officials are expected to weigh several factors when assessing applicants. These include health conditions, age, English language proficiency, financial resources and the potential need for long-term medical care. Applicants found likely to depend on public assistance are to be refused visas while the pause is in force.
Is it a part of immigration crackdown?
The decision fits very well to the wider immigration crackdown pursued by Trump since he took office last January. The administration has repeatedly tightened entry rules, often over national security concerns and the need to prevent misuse of public resources.
In November, Trump had vowed to “permanently pause” migration from all “Third World Countries” after a shooting near the White House by an Afghan national that killed a member of the National Guard.
With countries from multiple continents included, the suspension has raised concerns about its impact on tourism, international students, business travel and families waiting to reunite. It also comes against the backdrop of already strict US visa rules.
Last year, the administration had mandated that visa officers examine applicants’ social media accounts for signs of anti-US sentiment, adding another layer to what is already considered one of the world’s most rigorous screening processes.
Full list of affected countries
75 countries are set to be impacted by the crackdown. The good news is India not on the list and travellers can continue with their visa process.
The affected countries include:
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Bhutan
Bosnia
Brazil
Burma
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Colombia
Cote d’Ivoire
Cuba
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dominica
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Liberia
Libya
Macedonia
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Nepal
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Pakistan
Republic of the Congo
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Yemen