WASHINGTON: The United States said on Wednesday it was suspending the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries, President Donald Trump’s latest move against foreigners seeking to come to America.
A State Department spokesperson said that immigrant visa processing is being paused for 75 countries but did not provide a full list or specify how long the suspension would last, Fox News reported.
White House Press Secretary Immigration Visas, US, Countries, State Department, White House, Donald Trump, Washington,said on X that the affected countries include Somalia, Russia and Iran.
US freezes all visa processing for 75 countries, including Somalia, Russia, Iranhttps://t.co/EAFsAcsATz
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 14, 2026
Fox News reported that the list also includes Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Iraq, Yemen and several other nations.
According to the report, the pause will begin on January 21.
Screening and vetting review
The State Department said the suspension is linked to a reassessment of screening and vetting procedures.
A department memo cited by Fox News said consular officers have been instructed to refuse immigrant visa applications from the affected countries until the review is completed.
“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the US and exploit the generosity of the American people,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said on Wednesday.
He said immigrant visa processing from the 75 countries would remain paused while procedures are reassessed to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who could rely on welfare or public benefits.
The department did not clarify whether the freeze would be temporary or indefinite.
A State Department representative, cited by The National, said that the pause would take place but declined to confirm which countries were included.
The move does not affect tourist or business visas. However, the Trump administration has said it intends to subject all visa applicants to enhanced scrutiny, including reviews of social media activity, according to The Nation.
Immigration crackdown
The latest action follows a series of immigration restrictions introduced since President Trump returned to office.
Last month, the administration halted or restricted entry into the United States for citizens of 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Syria and Venezuela, citing concerns over vetting and visa overstays.
In December, the State Department announced that travellers entering the US under visa waiver programmes would be subject to a five-year review of their social media history.
The department said this week that it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since Trump’s return to office, a one-year record.
Separately, the Department of Homeland Security said last month that more than 605,000 people have been deported under the current administration, while an additional 2.5 million left the country voluntarily.
President Trump has repeatedly said he wants to sharply reduce immigration. He has drawn criticism for singling out migrants from certain regions, while expressing preference for immigration from Europe.
