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The United States is pausing immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Somalia, Russia, and Iran, as part of a crackdown on applicants deemed likely to become a public charge. This decision, announced by the State Department, aims to reassess screening and vetting procedures for visa applicants. The pause is set to begin on January 21 and will remain in place indefinitely until the review is completed.
According to a State Department memo, consular officers are instructed to refuse visas under existing law while the department undertakes this reassessment. The affected countries also include Afghanistan, Brazil, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen. The memo was first reported by Fox News.
The move is part of a broader effort to prevent applicants who may become a public burden from entering the United States. Under the "public charge" provision of US immigration law, officers are required to deny visas to applicants considered likely to depend on public assistance. Factors such as health, age, English proficiency, and financial situation are taken into account. The State Department spokesperson, Tommy Piggott, stated that the department will use its authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would exploit public benefits.
The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Somali community in Minnesota, following allegations of large-scale public benefit fraud. Federal charges have been filed against 98 people, mostly of Somali descent, accused of embezzling public funds.
The suspension of visa processing is expected to face criticism and legal challenges, as the "public charge" provision has been a contentious issue in US immigration policy. The provision's enforcement has varied across administrations, with the Trump administration previously expanding its definition to include a broader range of public benefits.