The U.S. State Department recently announced a pause on issuing immigrant visas for citizens from 75 countries. This decision stems from concerns that these immigrants might rely on public assistance in the future.
In a statement on social media, the government expressed that visa holders from these countries “take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates.” The list includes countries from various regions, and one surprising aspect is that some U.S. allies are also featured.
Countries Affected
The list is broken down by region:
The Americas:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay.
Europe:
Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia.
Asia-Pacific:
Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Fiji, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Syria, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
Africa:
Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda.
This freeze on immigrant visas is set to start on January 21 and will last until officials believe they can ensure that new immigrants won’t depend on public resources.
Why the Change?
This policy follows a trend of strict immigration enforcement that began during the Trump administration. For example, there was a pause on diversity visas late last year. Diversity visas aimed to bring 55,000 immigrants from countries with low immigration rates into the U.S. each year.
Current immigration visas are unaffected by this new policy, although the government has hinted at a review of visas granted under the Biden administration. Joseph Edlow, a top immigration official, stated that he’s called for a thorough review of all Green Cards from countries deemed a concern.
Public Assistance and Green Cards
Immigrant visa holders who secure Green Cards can access some public assistance programs, but there’s a five-year waiting period for major benefits like Medicaid and food assistance, according to USAFacts, a non-partisan research group.
In a notable move, the State Department also revoked over 100,000 visas in 2025, which included several categories of visa holders due to various infractions, from overstaying to committing crimes.
Social Reactions
This change has stirred up various reactions online. Some people applaud the stricter measures, while others express concern about the implications for immigrants seeking a better life. Recent surveys show that views on immigration are deeply divided across the country, highlighting the complexities of policy reform.
This new visa freeze adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about immigration in the U.S. As authorities keep tightening the rules, many wonder how it will affect the dreams of those looking to start afresh in America.
For more information on the immigration process, visit the U.S. State Department’s website.
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