US Halts Visa Processing for Citizens of 75 Countries, Trump Administration Imposes Entry Restrictions

Washington: The United States has imposed a temporary ban on issuing visas to citizens of 75 countries, including Russia, Somalia, Iran, Brazil, and Egypt. Under this directive, nationals from these countries will not be able to obtain visas to enter the United States. The U.S. State Department has stated that the restriction will take effect from January 21.

This move is being described as one of the Trump administration’s most extensive immigration enforcement measures. The State Department has instructed consular officers at U.S. embassies in the affected countries to deny visa issuance under existing law. Meanwhile, the department is reassessing its screening and vetting processes.

Effective from January 21

The visa ban will come into force on January 21 and will remain in place until the State Department completes its re-evaluation of visa processing procedures. In November 2025, a directive was sent to U.S. embassies worldwide instructing consular officers to apply new screening rules under the “public charge” provisions of immigration law.

Guidance for Consular Officers

The new guidance directs consular officers to deny visas to applicants likely to rely on public benefits. Factors considered include health, age, English proficiency, financial stability, and potential long-term medical care needs. Elderly or overweight applicants may be denied visas, as well as those who have previously received government cash assistance or benefits from public institutions.

State Department Statement

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, “The department will exercise its long-standing authority to declare ineligible those prospective immigrants who may become a public charge, taking advantage of the generosity of the American people.” He added, “Immigration from these 75 countries will be restricted until the State Department re-evaluates its immigration processing procedures to prevent entry of foreign nationals likely to rely on welfare or other public benefits.”