The US State Department has announced an immediate suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, citing concerns that applicants from those nations are more likely to rely on public assistance if admitted to the United States. The policy was unveiled under Secretary of State Marco Rubio and applies strictly to immigrant visas used for permanent residence. Officials stressed that non-immigrant visas, including tourist, student, and business visas, are not affected.

According to the State Department, the decision follows an internal review of economic indicators and public-charge assessments under existing immigration law. The administration says the move is aimed at ensuring that new immigrants are financially self-sufficient upon arrival in the US. Officials framed the suspension as a temporary measure while the policy undergoes further review, though no timeline has been given for when processing could resume.

The suspension affects nationals from a wide range of countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America, including Afghanistan, Egypt, Pakistan, Nigeria, Iran, Haiti, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, and Yemen, among many others. State Department officials said the policy takes effect immediately and will remain in force until the review process is completed.