The United States has announced it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries including Bangladesh from January 21, citing concerns that applicants may rely on public assistance after entering the country.
The US State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said on Wednesday that consular offices have been instructed to halt immigrant visa processing for nationals of the affected countries under an order tightening scrutiny of applicants who could become “public charges” in the United States.
The move follows broader immigration restrictions introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump and expands earlier travel and visa limitations imposed on nearly 40 countries.
Officials said the decision is aimed at preventing what they described as abuse of the US immigration system.
“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the exploitation of America’s immigration framework by individuals who would draw on public welfare,” the State Department said, adding that visa processing would remain suspended while procedures are reassessed.
The suspension will not apply to non-immigrant visas, including tourist and business visas, which account for most US visa applications.
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Authorities expect demand for such temporary visas to rise ahead of major international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, both to be hosted by the United States.
In a separate directive circulated to US embassies and consulates, officials were also instructed to more rigorously screen non-immigrant visa applicants for the likelihood that they may seek public benefits during their stay in the US.
The guidance requires consular officers to conduct thorough evaluations of applicants’ financial stability, health, education, skills, family situation and English proficiency.
Applicants suspected of potentially relying on public assistance may be asked to submit additional documentation to prove financial self-sufficiency.
US officials said the measures build on existing laws requiring immigrants to demonstrate they will not depend on government benefits, but experts warn the expanded criteria could further narrow access to US visas, particularly for applicants from developing countries.
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The other countries affected by the suspension announced on Wednesday are:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, 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.