The measure was disclosed by the Department of State via the social media platform X, explicitly stating that immigrants from the affected countries have historically shown a higher rate of using social welfare benefits. Therefore, processing will be halted until it can be ensured that new immigrants will not become “public charges”.
According to disclosures by Fox News and The Washington Post, the list includes countries such as Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, and Nepal. The Department of State emphasized in its statement that this freeze is intended to protect U.S. taxpayer resources, though the complete list of 75 countries was not released.
As noted by Time magazine, the new rule applies only to immigrant visas, while tourist, business, and other non-immigrant visas remain unaffected. Officials explained that this move is a response to the trend of immigrants from certain countries frequently using public benefits such as Medicaid and food stamps. The suspension will remain in effect until relevant review mechanisms are improved.
In recent months, the U.S. government has continued to tighten immigration policies, particularly targeting source countries that President Trump has identified as potentially threatening national security. Last November, an Afghan national carried out an attack near the White House, resulting in the death of a National Guard member.
Following this incident, the U.S. expanded its entry ban to citizens of 39 countries. The current visa suspension can be seen as part of this series of measures, reflecting the current administration’s concern over immigrants’ reliance on welfare benefits.
The Department of State stated that future visa policies will be regularly reviewed and adjusted based on statistical data regarding immigrants’ use of public benefits from each country. Authorities also reminded applicants that during the period when the measure is in effect, immigrant visa cases from the affected countries will not be processed, and they are advised to stay updated on the latest official announcements.
