The United States Department of State has announced a temporary suspension of all visa processing for a total of 75 countries, including Nigeria, Russia, Iran, and several others, in a significant move aimed at tightening immigration regulations. This decision is part of a broader initiative to prevent individuals who are likely to become “public charges” from gaining entry into the country.
According to an internal memo obtained by Fox News Digital, consular officers nationwide have been instructed to deny visa applications based on existing legal frameworks as the State Department undertakes a comprehensive reassessment of its screening and vetting procedures. This reassessment aims to enhance the effectiveness and integrity of the visa application process.
- Countries impacted by this suspension include, but are not limited to, Somalia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iraq, Egypt, Thailand, and Yemen. The moratorium on visa processing will commence on January 21 and remain in effect indefinitely, with the duration of the pause contingent on the completion of the department’s evaluation of its visa processing protocols. This significant action signals a shift in U.S. immigration policy, reflecting ongoing concerns about the economic implications of immigration.
