The U.S. State Department has suspended all visa processing and issuance procedures for citizens of 75 countries, effective January 21. This move is part of an intensified scrutiny of applicants who might become a burden on the U.S. social welfare system, according to Fox News. An internal memo directed consular officers to temporarily reject visa applications until a comprehensive review of screening and verification procedures is completed. The list includes several prominent countries such as Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen. The decision is based on an expanded application of the 'public charge' provision in immigration law, which allows for visa denials to applicants likely to depend on government benefits, based on criteria including health, age, and financial status. The State Department confirmed that exceptions will be extremely limited until the reassessment of visa issuance policies is finalized.
