JANUARY 15TH 2026
The United States State Department has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries as it reassesses those who may become a “public charge.”
The suspension, which takes effect from January 21, affects countries including Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand and Yemen. It will remain in place indefinitely while consular officers review screening procedures.
The decision comes amid intensified scrutiny of Somali nationals after a major fraud scandal in Minnesota involving taxpayer-funded welfare programmes, with many of those implicated identified as Somali or Somali-American.
In November 2025, the State Department issued fresh directives to U.S. consular posts worldwide, instructing officials to apply stricter screening under the long-standing “public charge” provision.
Under the rule, visa applications may be denied based on factors such as age, health status, English language proficiency, financial capacity and the likelihood of requiring long-term public assistance.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the measure was aimed at protecting U.S. public resources.
“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,” he told Fox News.
“Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would rely on welfare and public benefits.”
Here is the Full list of affected countries
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Bhutan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Myanmar
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Colombia
Côte d’Ivoire
Cuba
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dominica
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
The Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Liberia
Libya
North Macedonia
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Nepal
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Pakistan
Republic of the Congo
Russia
Rwanda
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Yemen
