• The US will suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026.
• This measure targets applicants likely to become public charges while living in the US.
• Countries affected include Somalia, Iran, Russia, Brazil, and Afghanistan.
• The suspension applies only to immigrant visas, not to non-immigrant or temporary visas.
• The State Department emphasizes an ongoing reassessment of immigration processes.

The United States is set to suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, starting January 21, 2026. This decision, announced by the State Department, aims to crack down on immigrants deemed likely to rely on public assistance upon their arrival in the U.S. Affected countries include Somalia, Afghanistan, Iran, Brazil, and Russia, among others, as part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy under the Trump administration, according to Indiatimes, Reuters, and SCMP.

The State Department indicated that this suspension arises from a directive allowing consular officers to refuse visas to individuals considered likely to become “public charges.” The policy is reported to emphasize a stringent reassessment of immigration processing to ensure that potential immigrants do not pose a financial burden on the United States, comments echoed by various sources such as Anadolu Agency and NPR.

This indefinite pause will not affect non-immigrant, temporary tourist, or business visas, which are also vital due to upcoming global events like the 2026 World Cup, as noted by CBS News, Channel News Asia, and Africanews.

The specific countries impacted by this visa freeze encompass a wide range, including those from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The full list elaborates on the diversity of nations affected, underscoring the Trump administration's intensified immigration policies, as highlighted by reports from Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.

This decision marks another step in the Trump administration's broader immigration agenda, which has included measures to limit refugee admissions and tighten legal immigration pathways. The suspension is seen as a continuation of previous policies aimed at reducing the inflow of migrants who may depend on welfare support while in the United States, reflected in statements by various officials and reports from Middle East Eye and Channel News Asia.