U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries

The U.S. State Department will stop processing immigrant visas for citizens of 75 specific countries. This suspension applies to countries whose citizens are considered likely to need public assistance in the United States. Public assistance includes benefits like food aid or housing support. The policy aims to ensure immigrants can support themselves financially. It is based on existing U.S. law that can deny visas to people seen as a potential "public charge." The State Department has not yet released the list of affected countries. The change impacts only new applicants for immigrant visas, which lead to permanent residency. Non-immigrant visas, such as those for tourists or temporary workers, are not affected by this suspension.