By: Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
The United States has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries in a sweeping effort to prevent new arrivals from relying on government benefits. The move, which takes effect January 21, 2026, targets applicants the federal government deems likely to become a “public charge.” Under U.S. law, this term describes individuals expected to rely primarily on the government for financial subsistence or basic needs.
In a post on X, the U.S. State Department justified the restriction by stating that immigrants from the listed nations “take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates.” The suspension applies strictly to those seeking permanent residency through family or employment; it does not currently affect temporary tourist or student visas. However, officials have confirmed that any approved immigrant visas that have not yet been printed must now be refused.
Global Scope of the Freeze
This directive hits a diverse range of nations—spanning from strategic allies like Ghana, to global adversaries such as Russia and Iran, alongside war-torn nations like Somalia and Afghanistan. This freeze encompasses every major region:
The Americas (17 Nations)
● 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
Africa (26 Nations)
● 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
Asia-Pacific & Middle East (25 Nations)
● 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
Europe (7 Nations)
● Albania
● Belarus
● Bosnia and Herzegovina
● Kosovo
● Moldova
● Montenegro
● North Macedonia
Understanding the “Public Charge” and Screening Mandate
The freeze on immigrant visa processing is an indefinite measure. It will remain in effect “until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people,” according to the U.S. State Department. This follows previous restrictions, including the pausing of diversity visas in late December, which previously allowed 55,000 immigrants from low-immigration countries to enter annually.
While the policy does not affect current immigrant visas, the federal government is reviewing those granted under the previous administration. Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, stated he has “directed a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern” at the direction of the president. He emphasized that “the American people will not bear the cost of the prior administration’s reckless resettlement policies.”
According to USAFacts, Green Card holders must typically complete a “five-year waiting period” before becoming eligible for several major benefits, including Medicaid and SNAP. Meanwhile, enforcement has intensified; the State Department announced Monday that it revoked more than 100,000 visas in 2025. These revocations included tourists who overstayed, as well as approximately 8,000 student and 2,500 specialized worker visa holders cited for various criminal offenses. These crimes spanned from driving under the influence to theft.
Navigating a New Era of Economic Diplomacy
For international observers and affected families in Africa and beyond, this policy represents a historic pivot toward wealth-based entry requirements. While the United States maintains its sovereign right to safeguard its economy, the move creates profound uncertainty for those pursuing the “American Dream” through traditional legal channels. Proponents argue this “America First” strategy ensures national stability, while critics warn of the humanitarian and diplomatic costs of stalled family reunifications. As the January 21 deadline approaches, the global community must now weigh the pursuit of security against the long-standing tradition of the U.S. as a beacon for global migration
