US BANS Immigrant Visa Processing For 75 Nations Including Pakistan: Is India On The List?

The United States has decided to temporarily stop processing immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries.

The move is part of a renewed effort by the US government to prevent the entry of people who may depend on public welfare benefits after arriving in the country.

According to an internal memo sent by the US State Department to its consular offices, visa officers have been instructed to refuse certain applications under existing immigration laws. This pause will begin on January 21 and will remain in place until further notice, while the department reviews its screening and vetting process.

The full list of countries comprises of :

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen

Stricter Use of the 'Public Charge' Rule

A US State Department spokesperson told Fox News that the decision is linked to stricter enforcement of the "public charge" rule. This rule allows immigration authorities to deny visas to individuals who are likely to rely on government assistance.

The public charge provision has been part of US immigration law for many years, but its use has varied under different administrations. It gives consular officers the authority to judge whether an applicant may become dependent on public benefits in the future.

Under new guidance sent to US consulates worldwide in November 2025, officers have been asked to apply this rule more firmly and consistently.

Factors Considered During Visa Screening

The updated guidelines ask officers to examine several factors before approving a visa. These include the applicant's age, health condition, ability to speak English, financial stability, and the possibility of needing long-term medical care.

Applicants who are older, have serious health concerns, have previously received government cash assistance, or have a history of institutional care may face higher chances of rejection under the revised approach.

Why Certain Countries Are Under Closer Watch

Some countries are facing increased scrutiny due to past concerns linked to misuse of welfare programmes. Somalia, in particular, has drawn attention after a large fraud case in Minnesota involving taxpayer-funded benefit schemes. US prosecutors said several people involved were either Somali nationals or Somali Americans.

The State Department said the visa pause will allow authorities to reassess procedures and ensure that individuals likely to depend on public assistance are properly screened before entering the country.

The State Department has said that exemptions to the pause will be very limited. Only applicants who fully clear public charge concerns may be considered during this period.

The decision comes as the Donald Trump administration continues a wider immigration crackdown.