In a significant immigration policy shift, the Trump administration declared on Wednesday a comprehensive suspension of immigrant visa issuances for nationals from 75 countries, effective January 21. The State Department announced the measure via social media, justifying it as necessary to prevent migrants from allegedly exploiting U.S. welfare systems.
The policy specifically targets countries including Brazil, Iran, Russia, Somalia, Haiti, and Eritrea, which administration officials claim produce immigrants who ‘often become public charges.’ The suspension will remain indefinitely until the United States can implement mechanisms to ensure new immigrants won’t ‘extract wealth from the American people,’ according to the official statement.
While non-immigrant, business, and tourist visas remain unaffected, all incoming travelers will face intensified screening procedures. The affected nations span multiple continents, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Egypt, Iraq, Jamaica, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, and Yemen, among others.
This decision occurs amidst historically low immigration levels attributed to the administration’s aggressive enforcement measures, which have included revoking approximately 100,000 visas and deporting nearly half-million immigrants. The policy implementation raises concerns about its impact on international events, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. is scheduled to co-host with Canada and Mexico.
The administration has simultaneously terminated Temporary Protected Status for nationals from Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, and Venezuela, while effectively dismantling the U.S. asylum program. Immigration enforcement tactics have intensified, featuring heavily armed officers conducting arrests that have generated widespread fear within immigrant communities, including among naturalized citizens.