• The US has suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, effective January 21.
• Countries affected include Somalia, Iran, Russia, and Brazil.
• The suspension targets individuals deemed likely to require public assistance in the US.
• The move is part of the Trump administration's broader immigration policy crackdown.
• This policy does not affect non-immigrant visa processing for tourism or business.

The US State Department announced it will pause immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries starting January 21, aiming to reevaluate how applicants are screened for public assistance eligibility. A memo outlined that consular officers are to refuse visas based on current immigration laws while this reassessment occurs, notably tightening the "public charge" provision that denies visas to those likely to rely on welfare benefits, according to India Times and Reuters.

This decision is part of a broader immigration policy from the Trump administration, which has long sought to limit both legal and illegal immigration. The affected countries include well-known names such as Iran, Russia, and Brazil, as well as many others across Africa and Asia, according to South China Morning Post and LA Times.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott emphasized that the measure aims to prevent foreign nationals from potentially becoming a burden on American taxpayers. The suspension is expected to have significant implications for people from these nations, particularly for applicants currently waiting for immigrant visas, as noted by Anadolu Agency and Channel News Asia.

Exempt from this visa processing suspension are non-immigrant applications including tourist and business visas. As the US prepares for upcoming international events like the World Cup and the Olympics, demand for these visas is projected to rise significantly, according to Le Monde and BBC.

The comprehensive assessment will also require applicants to be evaluated on various factors such as health, age, English proficiency, and financial stability, ensuring that those granted visas do not pose a risk of dependence on public resources, as reported by India Times and Channel News Asia.