The United States has announced a temporary halt on visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Nigeria, Russia, and Somalia, effective January 21, 2026.
This decision is part of a broader reassessment of screening and vetting procedures, aimed at tightening immigration controls.
The affected countries span Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, with the US Department of State citing concerns about welfare dependence as a key factor.
Representatives for the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reported memo, which Fox News said directs U.S. embassies to refuse visas under existing law while the department reassesses its procedures.
No time frame was provided.
The reported pause comes amid the sweeping immigration crackdown pursued by Republican U.S. President Donald Trump since taking office last January.
In November, Trump had vowed to “permanently pause” migration from all “Third World Countries” following a shooting near the White House by an Afghan national that killed a National Guard member.
The “public charge” rule, a long-standing element of US immigration law, allows authorities to deny visas to individuals likely to rely on public benefits.
Under the new guidelines, consular officers will consider factors such as age, health status, English proficiency, financial capacity, and employment prospects when assessing visa applications.
Applicants deemed at risk of becoming dependent on public assistance may be denied entry.
The move is expected to impact prospective travelers, students, and families from developing countries, potentially straining diplomatic ties with affected nations.
The State Department has not provided a timeline for completing the review or clarified humanitarian exemptions.
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