US to pause visas for 75 countries; screen applicants deemed a burden on the state

The US State Department has decided to pause visa processing for applicants from 75 countries as part of a move to tighten screening of individuals deemed likely to become a “public charge,” Fox News reported,

citing an internal department memo.

According to the report, the memo, first accessed by Fox News Digital, directs US consular officers to refuse visas under the existing immigration law while the State Department reassesses its visa screening and vetting procedures. The pause is set to begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely until the review is completed.

Countries affected by the move reportedly include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand and Yemen, among others.

Somalia has come under heightened scrutiny following a large-scale fraud case in Minnesota, where federal prosecutors uncovered widespread misuse of taxpayer-funded benefit programmes. Many of those implicated were Somali nationals or Somali-Americans, according to the report.

The development follows a State Department cable issued in November 2025, which instructed consular posts worldwide to enforce stricter screening under the “public charge” provision of US immigration law. The guidance reportedly requires officers to deny visas to applicants assessed as likely to depend on public benefits.

Under the revised screening framework, consular officers are instructed to evaluate factors such as an applicant’s health, age, English proficiency, financial status and potential need for long-term medical care. Fox News reported that applicants who are older, overweight, or who have previously used government cash assistance or institutional care could face visa denials.

“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,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott was quoted as saying.

He added that immigration from the 75 countries would remain paused while the department reassesses procedures aimed at preventing the entry of foreign nationals likely to rely on welfare and public benefits.

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