US State Department Suspends Visa Processing for 75 Nations Amid Screening Review
The US State Department has implemented an immediate freeze on visa processing for 75 countries. This decision stems from a comprehensive review of immigration screening standards, specifically focusing on “public charge” regulations. Authorities aim to tighten enforcement to ensure that incoming individuals do not become dependent on US government assistance.
This suspension impacts major travel hubs, including Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and affects operations for major carriers like United Airlines (UA). The pause will persist until the government finalizes new, stricter vetting procedures.
Massive Visa Freeze Hits 75 Countries
A formal memo from the State Department now instructs consular officers globally to halt visa issuance for citizens of 75 specific nations. During this period, officials must reassess screening protocols. Under existing law, officers have the mandate to deny applications if they believe an applicant might rely on public resources after entering the United States.
The list of affected countries spans several continents, including:
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Africa: Somalia, Nigeria, and others.
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Middle East: Iran, Iraq, Egypt, and Yemen.
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Europe & Asia: Russia, Afghanistan, and Thailand.
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Latin America: Brazil and several neighboring nations.
The freeze took effect on January 21, 2026, and currently has no scheduled expiration date.
New and Expanded Screening Criteria
The government has directed consular officers to use a much broader set of variables when evaluating visa candidates. The goal is to minimize the risk of immigrants utilizing taxpayer-funded programs.
Consular officers will now scrutinize:
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Financial Health: Current assets and employment prospects.
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Physical Health: Age, health status, and the likelihood of needing long-term medical care.
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Personal Skills: English language proficiency and education level.
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Historical Data: Prior use of government cash assistance or institutional care.
Internal guidelines even suggest that factors such as obesity or advanced age could be considered indicators of potential long-term healthcare risks. Exceptions to this processing freeze remain extremely rare and require the applicant to pass every stage of the rigorous public charge assessment.
Spotlight on Somalia Following Fraud Investigations
Somalia faces extra scrutiny during this review period. This specific focus follows a significant federal investigation in Minnesota involving the misuse of taxpayer-funded benefit programs.
Federal prosecutors discovered extensive fraud linked to benefit programs, citing cases involving Somali nationals. While the visa pause is a broad policy affecting 75 nations, US officials point to the Minnesota case as a primary reason for prioritizing stricter “front-end” screening.
The History of the “Public Charge” Rule
The concept of a “public charge” has existed in US immigration law for decades. It gives the government the authority to deny entry to anyone likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence.
Policy Evolution
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2019 Expansion: The Trump administration broadened the definition to include non-cash benefits like food stamps and housing vouchers.
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2022 Rollback: The Biden administration narrowed the rule, focusing primarily on cash assistance and long-term institutionalization.
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2026 Current Status: The current administration is returning to a broader enforcement model, citing long-standing statutory authority to protect national resources.
What Happens Next?
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott stated that the department is exercising its authority to prevent the abuse of public benefit systems. The primary goal is to protect taxpayer resources by ensuring immigrants are self-sufficient.
Currently, the government has provided no specific timeline for when visa services will resume for the 75 impacted nations. Travelers and families awaiting visa approvals must wait for the implementation of the updated processing standards.
