Visa processing will stop for citizens from 75 countries due to welfare concerns, according to a new rule from the State Department. The announcement was made via a post on X, highlighting the government’s intent to ensure that immigrants do not place an unjust burden on American taxpayers.
In their statement, the State Department outlined their rationale: “The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.” This indicates a clear focus on preventing what they describe as the abuse of public resources. The countries affected, including Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea, have come under scrutiny for the high levels of support their immigrants typically require from public welfare programs upon arriving in the United States.
Reagan Reese from the Daily Caller reported that an internal investigation revealed many Somali migrants utilize welfare as soon as they arrive: “For years, foreign nationals from Somalia have entered the United States and extracted wealth from the American taxpayer.” This assertion was supported by State Department Principal Deputy Spokesman Tommy Pigott, who emphasized the administration’s commitment to ending these practices by utilizing existing regulatory authority to enforce stricter immigration controls.
The pause on visa applications begins on January 21, 2026, and will last until a reassessment of the visa process is completed. The increase in scrutiny aligns with new measures introduced in November designed to enforce “public charge” provisions. Such regulations give officials the power to deny visas to applicants who are likely to rely on public benefits. Under these standards, factors such as health, age, and financial stability will be taken into account, ensuring that potential immigrants are self-sufficient and less likely to seek public assistance.
The policy reflects a significant shift towards stricter immigration standards reminiscent of practices established during the Trump administration, especially the expanded definitions of what constitutes a public charge. Statements from the State Department reinforce the administration’s commitment to prioritizing American citizens and safeguarding public resources. “Every visa decision must be made with the American people in mind,” Pigott stated, framing this approach as essential to restoring trust in the immigration system.
The comprehensive list of countries affected reveals a broad scope, covering nations across multiple continents. The inclusion of countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and several African and Caribbean nations highlights the diverse origins of individuals likely to be impacted by this policy.
The initiative illustrates a clear effort to address longstanding concerns about immigration and welfare dependency, with officials stating their commitment to reforming the immigration process. The focus remains on ensuring that the generosity of the American people is not exploited and that immigration practices are sustainable and beneficial for the nation as a whole.
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