Washington’s latest immigration crackdown: an open-ended suspension of immigrant visas for nationals from 75 countries, driven by worries over potential dependence on government aid. Set to begin January 21, the order from the Trump administration halts all processing worldwide.
Embassies have been told to pause operations, facilitating a thorough reassessment of public charge inadmissibility under federal statutes. This means no more interviews or issuances until safeguards are bolstered.
State Department’s Tommy Pigott laid out the rationale: curbing system abuse by prospective immigrants likely to tap into welfare programs. Drawing on historical legal powers, the policy equips officers to deny visas proactively.
Details emerged from an internal memo and White House posts, with Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt listing examples like Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, and beyond. The dragnet covers continents from Latin America to Asia, though exact nations are pending confirmation.
Only exceptional cases clear the hurdle, requiring ironclad proof against public charge status. Affected categories include family-sponsored, employment-based, and diversity visas granting green cards—tourist and business visas remain untouched.
This bold step underscores a shift toward merit-based, self-reliant immigration. While it shields U.S. taxpayers, it raises alarms about family separations and talent shortages. The indefinite timeline signals a meticulous overhaul ahead.