The U.S. State Department has announced a significant pause in immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, marking one of the most far-reaching immigration policy moves of President Donald Trump’s current term.
According to a State Department directive first reported by Fox News Digital, U.S. consular officers worldwide have been instructed to temporarily stop processing certain immigrant visas while federal officials conduct a comprehensive review of screening and eligibility standards.
The pause is scheduled to begin January 21 and will remain in effect until the review process is completed.
Policy Review Focuses on Long-Standing Immigration Law
Officials say the action is tied to enforcement of the “public charge” provision of U.S. immigration law, which allows visa applications to be denied if an applicant is considered likely to depend on government assistance after entering the country.
The affected countries span Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America, and include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen.
State Department officials emphasized that the policy relies on existing statutory authority, not new legislation.
Expanded Screening Standards Explained
A State Department cable circulated to embassies and consulates in November 2025 instructed officers to apply enhanced screening guidelines when reviewing immigrant visa applications.
Under the updated guidance, officials may consider factors such as:
- Age and overall health
- Financial resources and employment prospects
- English language proficiency
- Medical needs or long-term care considerations
- Prior reliance on certain forms of government assistance
Officials stress that no single factor is determinative and that each case is reviewed individually.
Heightened Scrutiny Following Fraud Investigations
Somalia has drawn particular attention following high-profile federal investigations in Minnesota involving alleged misuse of taxpayer-funded benefit programs. Prosecutors described the cases as large-scale and complex, prompting calls for tighter screening of future immigration applications.
Federal officials say the pause allows time to evaluate safeguards designed to prevent fraud while preserving lawful immigration pathways.
State Department Statement
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the department is acting within long-established legal authority.
“The State Department will continue to use its authority under U.S. law to ensure that immigrant visa applicants meet eligibility standards and are not likely to become a public charge,” Piggott said.
He added that visa processing from the affected countries will remain paused while procedures are reassessed to ensure consistent enforcement nationwide.
Exceptions will be limited and narrowly applied, only after applicants fully satisfy public-charge considerations.
Contrast With Prior Administration Policies
During the Biden administration, changes made in 2022 narrowed the scope of benefits considered under the public-charge standard, focusing primarily on cash assistance and long-term institutional care. Programs such as SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and housing assistance were largely excluded.
President Trump previously expanded public-charge enforcement during his first term, a move that was challenged in court and later reversed. The current pause reflects a return to stricter interpretation using authorities already written into law.
Full List of Countries Affected
The pause applies to immigrant visa processing for applicants from the following countries:
Africa
Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda
Middle East
Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen
South & Central Asia
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Uzbekistan
East & Southeast Asia
Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand
Europe & Eurasia
Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia
Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Central & South America
Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Uruguay
Pacific Islands
Fiji
What This Means Going Forward
Supporters of the policy say the move reinforces accountability and protects taxpayer-funded programs, while critics argue it could slow legal immigration pipelines.
For now, the State Department says the pause is temporary and focused on ensuring immigration decisions are consistent with existing U.S. law and national priorities.