The United States has paused immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, as part of a broader immigration crackdown. The decision was announced by the United States Department of State and is linked to concerns over welfare usage by new migrants.
According to the State Department, the suspension applies to countries whose migrants are assessed to rely on public assistance at what it described as unacceptable levels. Officials said the pause will remain in effect until authorities are satisfied that new immigrants will not place a financial burden on American taxpayers.
Immigration Policy Tightened Further
The move is part of a wider immigration push under former president Donald Trump, whose administration placed strong emphasis on restricting migration linked to welfare dependence. The State Department said the decision follows earlier directives issued in November that tightened rules around potential public charges.
Officials clarified that the pause applies only to immigrant visas. Applications for non immigrant visas, including tourist, student, and business travel, will continue to be processed without interruption.
Countries named as part of the suspension include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Russia, Nepal, Somalia, Haiti, and several nations across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Authorities said the measure affects dozens of countries where incoming migrants are seen as more likely to require state support after arrival.
Official Statements and Country List
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Somalia, Iran, and Russia are among the countries impacted. She said the decision aligns with the administrations broader objective of protecting public resources.
A report by the Associated Press cited an internal list of 75 countries expected to fall under the restrictions, though the US government has not released an official public document detailing all names.
