The United States Department of State has announced the suspension of all immigration visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, effective January 21st. The directive instructs embassies worldwide to cease issuing visas under current regulations.
The State Department cited concerns that some citizens from these nations may seek to access public benefits within the United States. “The Department will utilize its long-standing authority to prevent prospective immigrants who are likely to become a public charge from entering the country and exploiting the generosity of the American people,” stated a spokesperson.
The affected countries include 13 Arab nations: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Morocco, Tunisia, Somalia, and Yemen. The suspension also encompasses other countries globally, including Russia, Iran, Moldova, Montenegro, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
This decision aligns with a broader effort to curb immigration, an initiative championed by successive US administrations. This has also included increased scrutiny of legal immigration processes, such as higher fees for applicants seeking high-skilled worker visas.
The State Department clarified that this suspension does not affect visitor visas, which remain a focus for the United States, particularly as the nation prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. The US remains open for tourism and business travel.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation and provide updates as they become available.
