WASHINGTON — The United States will pause immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries starting Jan. 21.

According to a State Department memo obtained, consular officers have been instructed to refuse visas under existing law while the department reassesses screening and vetting procedures.

The pause will remain in effect indefinitely until the review is completed.

The affected countries include Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, Egypt, Iraq and Yemen, among others.

The action is tied to stricter application of the “public charge” provision of US immigration law, which allows officials to deny visas to applicants expected to rely on public benefits.

Under guidance issued to consular posts worldwide in November 2025, officers are instructed to weigh factors such as health, age, financial status, English proficiency and any prior use of government assistance when assessing applicants.

US officials said exceptions to the pause will be very limited and only granted after applicants clear public charge considerations.

Somalia has drawn heightened scrutiny following a large fraud investigation in Minnesota involving the misuse of taxpayer-funded benefit programs, according to US authorities.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the move reflects the administration’s intent to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who could rely on welfare or public benefits, adding that immigration from the listed countries will remain paused while procedures are reassessed. — Agencies