WASHINGTON (MNN); The United States has announced a halt to immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries, starting January 21, citing concerns that immigrants from these nations may place a burden on public welfare systems.
According to the US State Department, the suspension will remain in effect until authorities are satisfied that new immigrants will not rely on American taxpayer-funded assistance. Officials said the move is part of the administrationās broader āAmerica Firstā policy framework.
A senior official said the government is seeking to ensure that public resources funded by American citizens are not misused. State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the department would exercise its long-standing authority to declare ineligible those potential immigrants who are likely to become a public charge in the United States.
He added that immigration from the affected 75 countries has been temporarily paused while visa processing procedures are reviewed to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who may depend on welfare and public benefits.
Countries impacted by the suspension include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea, spanning regions across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The freeze applies to all immigrant visa categories, including family-based, employment-based, and diversity visas.
The decision is expected to disrupt travel, education, and employment plans of thousands of Pakistanis who apply for US visas each year. Pakistani diplomatic missions in the United States are likely to issue further guidance to affected applicants in the coming days.
Officials linked the move to the US public-charge rule, which assesses whether immigrants are likely to depend on government support. While temporary visa suspensions have occurred in the past, authorities acknowledged that the scale of this action is without precedent.
No timeframe has been announced for the resumption of visa services, though the State Department said affected countries would be informed once the review process is completed.
