The administration of US President Donald Trump has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, in what is being described as one of the broadest restrictions on legal immigration during his second term.
According to the US State Department, the suspension will take effect from 21 January and applies to applicants assessed as likely to become a “public charge”, a term used by US immigration authorities to describe individuals who may depend on government welfare programs for basic needs such as housing, healthcare, or income support.
Countries affected span multiple regions, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Among those explicitly mentioned are Brazil, Iran, Russia, Somalia, and several other developing and conflict-affected states. Officials indicated that the full list includes nations with high rates of visa overstays, low income levels, or limited systems for verifying applicants’ financial stability.
In a statement reported, the State Department said the move is intended to “protect US taxpayers” and ensure that immigration policies prioritize economic self-sufficiency. Officials argued that immigrant visa applicants must demonstrate a strong likelihood of financial independence before being granted permanent residency.
The decision builds on earlier Trump-era policies that expanded the interpretation of the public charge rule, making it harder for low-income applicants to qualify for green cards. While that rule was rolled back under the Biden administration, Trump reinstated and widened it following his return to office, signaling a renewed emphasis on restrictive immigration enforcement.
Immigrant advocates and human rights groups have strongly criticized the suspension, warning that it will disproportionately affect families seeking reunification, refugees transitioning to permanent status, and skilled workers from poorer countries. Critics argue that the policy effectively discriminates on the basis of nationality and income, rather than individual merit.
“This is a sweeping measure that shuts the door on legal immigration pathways for millions of people, many of whom have followed the rules and waited years,” one immigration policy analyst told The Guardian. Legal experts also suggest the move could face court challenges, particularly if it is shown to conflict with existing immigration statutes or constitutional protections.
The suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, or temporary work visas, though officials noted that additional restrictions in those categories are under review. Existing visa holders and lawful permanent residents are also not affected.
Politically, the move reinforces Trump’s hardline immigration agenda, a central pillar of his domestic policy. Supporters say it reflects voter concerns about welfare spending and border control, while opponents see it as part of a broader effort to sharply reduce immigration under the guise of economic protection.
The State Department said the policy will remain in place until further notice, with periodic reviews to determine whether individual countries may be reinstated based on economic data, compliance with US immigration requirements, and bilateral cooperation.
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