Why the US is suspending visa processing for 75 countries | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMatthew LeeWednesday 14 January 2026 18:02 GMTFederal agents patrol Chicago amid immigration crackdown after Trump’s Portland troop orderThe US State Department announced it will halt the processing of immigrant visas for citizens from 75 nations.This directive, effective from January 21, stems from concerns that nationals might require public assistance upon entering the United States, aligning with a broader “public charge” order from November.The suspension specifically targets immigrant visas and will not affect non-immigrant, temporary tourist, or business visas.The Trump administration stated the move aims to end the “abuse of America’s immigration system” by those who would “extract wealth from the American people.”Countries including Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, and Thailand are among those affected, with US embassies instructed to refuse visas during the reassessment period.In fullUS suspends visa processing for 75 countries, including Brazil just months before World CupThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in