Trump Admin Freezes All Visa Processing for 75 Countries With People Who Are Likely to “Become a Public Charge”

Economic Collapse ^ | January 14, 2026 | Clive Cummings

[Whatever Works]

The State Department has announced a sweeping pause on immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, effective January 21. This decision comes as the administration ramps up efforts to enforce long-standing rules against admitting individuals likely to depend on public benefits. Officials cite the need to overhaul screening processes that have allowed potential abusers of taxpayer-funded programs to slip through in the past.

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The affected nations include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen, among others. Consular officers have been directed to deny visas under existing law, with only narrow exceptions after thorough public charge evaluations. This list raises questions about national security risks, given the inclusion of countries with histories of terrorism, espionage, and economic instability.

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TOPICS: Society
KEYWORDS: freeze; visas

[Whatever Works]

It's a start.

[goodnesswins]

People used to have to have a SPONSOR.

[wjcsux]

When I brought my wonderful wife here from China seven years ago, I had to sign paperwork affirming that I would take care of her and her needs and that she would not be dependent upon public assistance. If she became dependent on public assistance, I would be liable for repayment.

[butlerweave]

Leeches feeding the taxpayer

[UnwashedPeasant]

Data-driven, merit-based immigration.

[Racketeer]

Will they swicth to AmEx or Master Card?

[ConservativeMind]

Countries affected: A full list includes Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

[SharpRightTurn]

Thanks for the complete list. I’m glad to see Pakistan on it.

[Fai Mao]

Same thing 40 years when my wife and I married

[Wallace T.]

The absence of several southern African countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe is surprising. Venezuela is absent as well, as the Communists are still in power there. Burkina Faso and Niger are missing despite being run by governments friendly to Moscow and Beijing. Some Central American countries did not make the cut: Panama, Honduras, and Costa Rica. Serbia, a regime historically friendly to Moscow, is not included but Kosovo, Albania, and Macedonia are included.

[USA-FRANCE]

I’m glad to see Russia on that list.
Ukraine is not on it. Good and logical.

[Sacajaweau]

I believe that’s still on the books...

[sheana]

It’s not enforced....and hasn’t been since at least the 80’s in most places. I know because that’s when I became an eligibility worker for our county welfare dept.