A report circulating in U.S. media claims that the United States State Department has moved to pause immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, citing concerns related to the long-standing “public charge” provision in U.S. immigration law.
According to the report, the pause is expected to begin January 21 and continue indefinitely while the department reassesses its immigrant visa screening and vetting procedures.
What Is Being Reported? The report states that a State Department memo, first seen by Fox News Digital, instructs consular officers across U.S. embassies and consulates to refuse certain immigrant visa applications under existing law during the review period. The stated goal is to prevent the entry of applicants deemed likely to rely on U.S. public benefits.
The guidance reportedly expands scrutiny under the public charge rule, which allows immigration officials to deny visas to individuals considered likely to become dependent on government assistance.
Factors Allegedly Under Review
According to the report, consular officers have been directed to consider a wide range of factors when assessing applicants, including:
• Health status
• Age
• English language proficiency
• Financial stability
• Prior use of government cash assistance
• History of institutionalization
• Potential need for long-term medical care
The report also claims that older or overweight applicants could face heightened scrutiny, a point that has already sparked concern and debate among immigration advocates.
Full List of Countries Named in the Report: The post lists the following countries as affected by the reported pause:
Afghanistan,
Albania,
Algeria,
Antigua and Barbuda,
Armenia,
Azerbaijan,
Bahamas,
Bangladesh,
Barbados,
Belarus,
Belize,
Bhutan,
Bosnia,
Brazil,
Burma,
Cambodia,
Cameroon,
Cape Verde,
Colombia,
Cote d’Ivoire,
Cuba,
Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Dominica,
Egypt,
Eritrea,
Ethiopia,
Fiji,
Gambia,
Georgia,
Ghana,
Grenada,
Guatemala,
Guinea,
Haiti,
Iran,
Iraq,
Jamaica,
Jordan,
Kazakhstan,
Kosovo,
Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan,
Laos,
Lebanon,
Liberia,
Libya,
Macedonia,
Moldova,
Mongolia,
Montenegro,
Morocco,
Nepal,
Nicaragua,
Nigeria,
Pakistan,
Republic of the Congo,
Russia,
Rwanda,
Saint Kitts and Nevis,
Saint Lucia,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Senegal,
Sierra Leone,
Somalia,
South Sudan,
Sudan,
Syria,
Tanzania,
Thailand,
Togo,
Tunisia,
Uganda,
Uruguay,
Uzbekistan,
Yemen.
Official Response: A State Department spokesperson, quoted in the report, said the department would use its legal authority to deny visas to individuals who may become a public charge and “exploit the generosity of the American people.” The spokesperson added that immigration from the listed countries would remain paused while screening procedures are reassessed.
As of now, no detailed public guidance has been released directly on the State Department’s official website outlining the full scope, duration, or implementation mechanics of the pause.
What This Means for Applicants: If the reported pause is implemented as described:
• Immigrant visa applicants from affected countries may experience delays, refusals, or suspended processing
• Pending applications could be placed on hold during the review period
• Financial documentation and proof of self-sufficiency may face stricter evaluation
• Family-based immigration cases may also be impacted
Non-immigrant visas (such as tourist or student visas) were not explicitly addressed in the report.
This information is based on a media report citing internal government communications. Immigration policies can change quickly, and official confirmation, clarification, or legal challenges may alter how—or whether—the reported pause is implemented.
Prospective applicants are advised to:
• Monitor official State Department announcements
• Consult licensed immigration attorneys
• Avoid relying solely on social media summaries or unofficial sources
As with many immigration policy developments, further clarification is expected in the coming weeks.
