Chicago – January 14, 2026
The Trump administration announced on January 14, 2026, an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, effective January 21. This measure targets nations deemed likely to send migrants reliant on U.S. public assistance, including Somalia, Haiti, Iran, Eritrea, Brazil, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Russia, and Pakistan.
State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated the pause invokes existing authority to deem ineligible those who might become a “public charge” on American resources. The directive, first reported by Fox News and confirmed by Reuters, instructs U.S. embassies to halt decisions during a procedural review, with no specified end date.
Non-immigrant visas for tourists, business, or events like the 2026 World Cup remain unaffected. This escalates the administration’s immigration crackdown, following over 100,000 visa revocations since Trump’s inauguration and stricter “public charge” rules issued in November 2025. Critics decry it as overly broad, while supporters hail it as protecting taxpayer funds.
