The US freezes visa processing for applicants from 75 countries starting January 21, as the State Department reviews how it screens individuals who may rely on public assistance. The action is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration controls and reduce the likelihood of admitting applicants deemed a potential burden on public resources.
The decision, which marks a significant shift in enforcement, instructs consular officers to pause visa approvals under existing immigration law while the agency reassesses its vetting procedures. The move affects countries including Russia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand and Yemen.
Stricter public charge rules guide new evaluations
The policy change is rooted in the “public charge” rule, which allows immigration officials to deny entry to individuals likely to depend on government aid. While the rule has been in place for decades, how it is applied has varied across administrations.
Applicants may now be refused visas based on a range of factors, including age, health conditions, financial standing, English proficiency and the potential need for long-term medical care.
USA will pause immigrant visa processing for 75 countries. The order takes effect on 21 January.
The list of countries available via news channels is as below. Have mapped the Passport Ranking and Visa Free countries access they have currently.
Some really strong passport… pic.twitter.com/nxh0vH4lkO
— Backpacking Daku (@outofofficedaku) January 14, 2026
Older individuals, those who are overweight, or applicants with a history of receiving government cash assistance or institutionalization are among those who could face denials under the revised guidelines.
US freezes visa processing to tighten immigration controls
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the department is acting under its long-standing authority to protect U.S. resources from being misused.
He explained that immigration from the affected countries will remain paused while officials conduct a thorough review of current procedures aimed at preventing the entry of individuals who may rely on welfare or public benefits.
The updated guidance stems from a November 2025 cable sent to consular posts worldwide, instructing officers to apply stricter scrutiny under the public charge provision. While the new policy is broad, exceptions will be limited and granted only after applicants pass the updated public charge evaluation.
Minnesota fraud case and past policy changes shape new approach
Somalia has received particular attention following a large-scale fraud case in Minnesota involving the abuse of taxpayer-funded programs. Federal prosecutors have linked many of those involved to Somali nationals or Somali-Americans.
The public charge rule became a flashpoint during the Trump administration, which expanded the definition in 2019 to include a wider range of public benefits.
That expansion was partially blocked in court and later rescinded by the Biden administration in 2022, which narrowed the scope to consider only cash assistance and long-term institutional care.
Programs such as Medicaid, WIC and housing vouchers were excluded from consideration under the Biden-era rule.
Although the public charge standard has remained part of immigration law, the new pause marks a sharp turn in how the rule is being enforced as the US freezes visa processing on a broad scale.
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