The administration of US President Donald Trump has enacted one of its most far-reaching immigration measures to date, announcing an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 different countries.
Unprecedented Visa Freeze Takes Effect
The sweeping policy, which the State Department confirmed will take effect on 21 January, targets individuals from nations where officials believe migrants are likely to become a "public charge." This term is used to describe people who may rely on government benefits for basic needs. In a social media post, the State Department declared it "will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates."
A confidential cable obtained by The Guardian detailed the full list of affected nations, which includes major countries such as Brazil, Iran, Russia, and Somalia. The administration's statement asserted that "the freeze will remain active until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people," adding it was working to stop the abuse of American generosity.
Part of a Broader Crackdown on Immigration
This visa suspension represents a significant intensification of the Trump administration's immigration agenda. Official figures reveal that since Trump's return to office, the State Department has revoked more than 100,000 visas. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security reported last month that over 605,000 people have been deported, with an additional 2.5 million leaving the country voluntarily.
The move follows a series of other restrictive policies, including December's expansion of travel bans to 39 countries, the suspension of asylum processing, and a halt to citizenship and green card applications for citizens of nations already under restrictions. The administration has shown particular focus on Somali communities following fraud allegations and federal investigations in Minnesota.
Experts Warn of Wider Consequences
Immigration policy analysts have raised alarms about the potential ripple effects of the new policy. Julia Gelatt, associate director of the US immigration policy program at the Migration Policy Institute, warned that the likely result will be fear among immigrant families. Many may avoid accessing public benefits for which they are eligible, forgoing essential support to protect future immigration prospects.
This policy direction appears to contradict Trump's past statements on legal immigration. During a State of the Union address in his first term, he stated he supported legal immigration because immigrants "enrich our nation and strengthen our society in countless ways," and expressed a desire for people to enter "in the largest numbers ever, but they have to come in legally."
Furthermore, research challenges the administration's justification. A February 2025 paper from the libertarian Cato Institute found that, on a per capita basis, native-born Americans consumed more welfare and entitlement benefits than immigrants. The study concluded that immigrants used 21% fewer such benefits than native-born Americans in 2022.
