Trump Administration Halts Immigrant Visa Processing From 75 Countries
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Trump immigrant visa ban
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Trump Administration Halts Immigrant Visa Processing From 75 Countries
The Trump administration has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, marking one of the most sweeping restrictions on legal immigration pathways in recent US history.
The policy, announced by the US State Department, is set to take effect on 21 January and applies to individuals officials believe are likely to become a “public charge”, a term used to describe people who may rely on government assistance for basic needs.
State Department Cites Welfare Use as Reason for Freeze
In a statement shared on social media, the State Department said it will pause visa processing from countries whose migrants are perceived to rely on public welfare programs at “unacceptable rates.”
According to the department, the suspension will remain in place until the US government can ensure that new immigrants will not place a financial burden on American taxpayers.
Officials emphasized that the policy is intended to protect public resources and prevent what they describe as abuse of the US welfare system.
75 Countries Affected by the Visa Suspension
A State Department cable obtained by media outlets reportedly contains the full list of 75 affected countries, which includes Brazil, Iran, Russia, Somalia, and several others across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia.
The move significantly expands existing immigration restrictions and represents a major shift in how legal immigrant visas are processed.
Immigration Crackdown Intensifies Under Trump
The visa freeze comes amid an unprecedented escalation of immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to government figures:
- More than 100,000 visas have been revoked since Trump returned to office
- Over 605,000 people have been deported
- An additional 2.5 million individuals left the US voluntarily
These actions have drawn national and international attention, particularly as protests have erupted in response to recent law enforcement incidents involving federal officers.
Focus on Somali Americans Raises Controversy
The administration has placed particular scrutiny on Somali American communities, especially in Minnesota, citing alleged fraud investigations.
President Trump has repeatedly made controversial remarks about Somali immigrants and Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, drawing criticism from civil rights groups and immigration advocates who argue the rhetoric fuels discrimination.
Policy Builds on Earlier Travel Bans and Restrictions
The visa processing halt follows a series of immigration measures introduced over the past year, including:
- Expansion of travel bans to 39 countries
- Suspension of asylum processing
- Halting citizenship and green card applications for individuals from restricted nations
Together, these steps have dramatically narrowed legal routes into the United States.
Research Challenges Welfare Claims About Immigrants
Several studies contradict the administration’s claims regarding immigrant welfare use.
A 2025 report by the Cato Institute found that native-born Americans consume more welfare and entitlement benefits per capita than immigrants. The study showed that immigrants used 21% fewer welfare benefits than US-born citizens in 2022.
Policy experts argue these findings undermine the justification for the visa freeze.
Experts Warn of Broader Impact on Immigrant Families
Migration policy analysts caution that the consequences of the policy may extend beyond visa applicants.
Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute warned that immigrant families may avoid accessing public benefits—even when legally eligible—out of fear that doing so could harm future immigration prospects.
Such hesitation, experts say, could lead to increased hardship among immigrant households.
Trump’s Mixed Messaging on Legal Immigration
During his first term, President Trump stated that he supports legal immigration and acknowledged immigrants’ contributions to American society.
However, critics note that the latest visa suspension conflicts with those earlier remarks, highlighting a growing gap between the administration’s rhetoric and its immigration policies.
Global Implications of the Visa Freeze
The suspension of visa processing from 75 countries is expected to have far-reaching diplomatic and economic consequences, affecting families, businesses, universities, and international relations.
As global migration patterns continue to shift, the policy signals a more restrictive US stance at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
Conclusion: A Major Shift in US Immigration Policy
The Trump administration’s decision to halt immigrant visa processing from dozens of countries represents a major escalation in its effort to limit legal immigration.
While officials argue the move protects taxpayers, critics say it is unsupported by data and risks long-term harm to immigrant communities and America’s global standing.
As legal challenges and political debate continue, the future of US immigration policy remains deeply uncertain.