The United States has suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Nigeria and Russia, as it reviews how to screen applicants who could become a “public charge.”

According to the U.S. State Department, the suspension will take effect from January 21 and will remain in place indefinitely. During this period, consular officials will reassess screening procedures used to determine whether visa applicants are likely to depend heavily on public assistance.

The countries affected by the decision include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand and Yemen, among others.

The policy shift follows increased scrutiny of Somali nationals after a major fraud case in Minnesota involving taxpayer-funded welfare programs. Many of those linked to the scheme were reported to be Somali or Somali-American, raising concerns within U.S. authorities about weaknesses in the vetting process.

U.S. officials say the review is aimed at strengthening checks and ensuring that future immigrants are financially self-sufficient and not likely to rely on government support.

In November 2025, the State Department sent guidance to consular posts worldwide instructing officers to enforce stricter screening under the long-standing “public charge” provision.

The rules allow visas to be denied based on factors such as age, health, English proficiency, finances, and potential need for long-term care.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott told Fox News.

“Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”

Full List of Countries Affected:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.