The U.S. State Department has ordered an indefinite suspension of visa processing for citizens of 75 countries.
The measure will take effect on January 21, 2026.
Understand the "doctrine of public responsibility"!
2️⃣ What Happened?
An internal State Department memo, revealed by Fox News, instructs consulates to stop issuing visas to nationals of a list of 75 countries.
The order is effective from January 21, 2026, and lasts "indefinitely."
The official objective is to review the entire screening process to prevent the entry of those who could become a cost to the American taxpayer.
3️⃣ The List of 75
The complete list is not yet public, but the countries already confirmed include:
🇧🇷 Brazil
🇷🇺 Russia
🇮🇷 Iran
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
🇸🇴 Somalia
🇳🇬 Nigeria
🇹🇭 Thailand
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇮🇶 Iraq
🇾🇪 Yemen
4️⃣ The Reason: "Public Charge"
The Trump administration revived and tightened the "Public Charge" rule.
Basically, the consular officer must deny the visa if they believe you might depend on government benefits (healthcare, aid, etc.) in the future.
You don't need to have used the system; the officer simply needs to believe you could.
5️⃣ The "New Screening" (Criteria)
How will they decide this? The memo instructs officers to assess rigorous personal factors:
• Age and Health: Older people or those with medical conditions requiring long-term treatment are targeted.
• Weight: The document explicitly cites "overweight" as a health/cost risk factor.
• English: Lack of proficiency counts against (lower chance of quick employment).
• History: Previous use of government assistance.
6️⃣ Difference from the "Travel Ban"
Be careful not to confuse them.
On January 1st, there was a security blockade against countries with "screening failures" (terrorism).
Brazil was not included in that.
The current blockade is administrative and economic. It's a global "fine-tooth comb" focused on barring immigrants (and even long-stay tourists) who don't appear financially self-sufficient.
Conclusion
Trump is fulfilling his promise of "merit-based immigration" in the harshest way possible: by preemptively closing the door.
If you have a scheduled trip or an ongoing process, consult an immigration lawyer now.