Consular officials have been instructed to deny visas while the department conducts a review of its vetting procedures. The temporary restrictions will remain in effect indefinitely.
According to Fox News, the list of countries whose citizens will have their immigration visa issuance suspended includes: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Syria, and many others.
According to State Department representatives, this measure is related to the increased enforcement of the so-called "public charge" rules. These rules allow for the denial of entry to those foreigners who authorities believe are more likely to require government support.
Consular officers are now required to consider various factors, such as age, health, financial situation, and English language proficiency, when making visa decisions.
Additionally, a visa may be denied if the applicant has previously received government benefits.
Tommie Pigott, a State Department spokesperson, noted that the department is using its authority to prevent the entry of those who may become a burden on the U.S. social assistance system. Immigration from the mentioned countries will be suspended until the review of existing procedures is completed.
It should be noted that exceptions to the new rules will be extremely rare and will only be possible after thorough vetting against the public charge criteria.
The provision against admitting immigrants who may burden the budget has existed in the U.S. for several decades; however, its application has varied depending on the political situation. In 2019, the Donald Trump administration expanded the interpretation of this rule, but then some of its provisions were rescinded during Joe Biden's presidency.
The State Department emphasizes that the visa suspension is aimed at protecting the interests of American taxpayers and preventing abuses of the social assistance system.
