U.S. Moves to Freeze Visas for 75 Countries as DHS Ends Somali TPS

Overview

• Multiple outlets report a State Department memo directing consulates to pause visa processing for citizens of 75 countries starting January 21 for an indefinite review period.
• Reportedly affected nations include Brazil, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Thailand, Egypt, Yemen and Somalia, though the full list and visa categories have not been fully detailed.
• State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the department will use longstanding authority to deem ineligible applicants likely to become a public charge, with factors cited in reports including health, age, English proficiency, finances and potential long-term medical needs.
• Associated Press reporting cited by Brazilian media indicates the change targets immigrant visas, leaving uncertainty over whether tourist or other short-stay visas are included, and some U.S. embassies said they had not yet received formal notification.
• Separately, DHS confirmed it will terminate Temporary Protected Status for Somalis with departures required by March 17, with reporting citing 705 Somali TPS holders per the Congressional Research Service versus roughly 4,000 in other accounts, as the administration touts more than 100,000 visa revocations since early 2025.