The Trump administration has announced a pause on immigrant visa processing for individuals from 75 countries it considers 'high risk' due to high rates of reliance on public benefits. This measure, effective January 21, targets only immigrant visas for permanent residency in the US and does not affect tourist, temporary work, student, or other nonimmigrant visas.
The Department of State released a list of affected countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iraq, Cuba, Somalia, Syria, Nepal, Russia, and several other countries. The move is part of the administration's broader effort to ensure that new immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not rely on welfare programs in the US.
“President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans,” the State Department said. “The Department of State is undergoing a full review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge.”
Immigrant visas, also known as IVs, are issued to individuals who wish to live permanently in the US. Categories include spouses of US citizens, fiancés intending to marry and settle in the US, certain family members of US citizens or lawful permanent residents, and employment-based applicants eligible for green cards and eventual citizenship. Nonimmigrant visas (NIVs), which cover tourism, business, study, temporary work, or medical treatment, are not affected by this pause.
The Department clarified that applicants from affected countries may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause. Dual nationals using passports from countries not on the list are exempt from this restriction. Importantly, no previously issued visas have been revoked.
In a post on X, the White House emphasized the 'America First' rationale, stating that the pause will remain in effect until the US can ensure that immigrants entering the country will not become public charges or place an undue burden on American taxpayers. “We are working to ensure the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused,” the post said.
The administration cited concerns over migrants from certain countries who “take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates,” including nations such as Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea. Officials framed the pause as a temporary measure to strengthen financial self-sufficiency requirements for incoming immigrants while maintaining national security and economic stability.
While critics argue that the policy may disproportionately affect individuals from vulnerable regions, the administration maintains that it is strictly focused on immigrant visa applications and does not impact temporary or non-immigrant travel.
