Story perspectives

U.S. Suspends Visa Processing for 75 Countries Amid Crackdown

1/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. State Department will suspend visa processing for citizens from 75 countries on January 21, as part of a crackdown on immigration.
An internal memo directs consular officers to deny visas based on health, age, and finances to prevent public-burden entrants.
The suspension remains in place until a review is completed.
Somalia, Russia, and Afghanistan are among the affected countries; move follows stricter screening under the public charge provision.

History

Historical Context

The Public Charge Rule, introduced in 1996, allowed U.S. immigration officials to deny visas based on potential public burden, affecting immigrants from countries like Somalia and Afghanistan. This rule has historical roots in the Immigration Act of 1882, which aimed to exclude those likely to become public charges. The recent suspension of visa processing for 75 countries reflects ongoing immigration policy debates and concerns about public welfare.

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Story summary

The U.S. State Department will suspend visa processing for citizens from 75 countries on January 21, as part of a crackdown on immigration.
An internal memo directs consular officers to deny visas based on health, age, and finances to prevent public-burden entrants.
The suspension remains in place until a review is completed.
Somalia, Russia, and Afghanistan are among the affected countries; move follows stricter screening under the public charge provision.

1 / 2