THE State Department is abruptly halting visa processing for migrants from 75 countries in its latest immigration crackdown.
Federal officials are indefinitely pausing entry for applicants they fear would become reliant on taxpayer money if allowed into the US.
Trump halts visas from 75 countries
The State Department has banned processing visas from countries marked in red beginning on January 21.
The halt will take effect on January 21 and continue indefinitely as officials audit screening and vetting procedures.
Countries affected by the change include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and more, a memo seen by Fox News states.
Authorities focused on the nations after determining that applicants from these countries are more likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance, according to the memo.
The announcement was made after a swath of Somali immigrants living in Minnesota was linked to a fraud scandal that prosecutors estimate could have snatched $9 billion from the state’s budget.
The sensational scam has led Governor Tim Walz to withdraw from the 2026 governor’s race and has raised questions about how much funding is being allocated to noncitizens.
Trump hasn’t been shy about wanting only the finest in America, as his administration previously reminded officials that everything from an applicant’s weight to finances should be considered before a visa is granted.
In November, the State Department issued a reminder to US embassies worldwide that the fitness of every visa applicant is of utmost importance.
Health, age, English proficiency, financials, and potential for long-term medical care should all be considered when determining whether a migrant will require government-funded assistance, officials said.
In a confidential message to global ministries, the department said at the time, “Self-sufficiency has been a longstanding principle of US immigration policy.”
Federal officials said this has been a part of immigration law for “more than 100 years,” but claimed it was relaxed under Joe Biden’s leadership.
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/15782115/trump-halts-visas-russia-brazil-egypt-thailand-immigration/