Nicosia, Cyprus. The United States has suspended immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, according to a Euronews report. The State Department said the pause will apply while it reassesses immigration processing procedures.
State Department cites public benefits provision
The State Department said Wednesday it will use authority previously applied to individual visa rejections—blocking people likely to need government welfare—for a blanket ban based on nationality. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, “The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people.”
The State Department said, “Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”
White House identifies some affected countries
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X that affected countries include Somalia, as well as Russia and Iran. Leavitt linked to a Fox News article listing other countries hit by the suspension, including Brazil, Egypt and Thailand.
The State Department did not immediately release the full list of 75 countries.
Additional immigration-related statements and figures
Trump has openly sought to reduce immigration by people who are not of European descent. He has called Somalis “garbage” who should “go back to where they came from” whilst saying he would welcome Scandinavians.
The State Department said Monday it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since Trump’s return to office, a one-year record. The Department of Homeland Security said last month the Trump administration has deported more than 605,000 people, with another 2.5 million leaving voluntarily.
How do you think the suspension will affect people seeking immigrant visas from the listed countries?
