U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries, Citing Public‑Charge Review

Overview

• The announcement, posted on X, pauses immigrant (permanent) visa processing for nationals of 75 countries for an open-ended period.
• Nonimmigrant categories such as tourism, business and student travel continue as normal, a point confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Brazil.
• The full list has not been formally released; Fox News reports it includes Brazil, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Thailand, Somalia, Egypt and Yemen.
• An internal memo reported by Fox instructs consular officers to refuse immigrant visas during the review and indicates screening may weigh age, health conditions and prior benefit use.
• The move extends the administration’s broader immigration crackdown, following stricter screening guidance and large-scale visa revocations, as affected governments seek clarification.