United States to Deny Visas to Citizens of 75 Countries Including Iran

The United States has taken a major decision to suspend visa processing for citizens of 75 countries. The U.S. State Department has halted all visa processing for these nations, which include Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, and several others. The move aims to prevent applicants who may become a burden on public benefits in the United States.

According to Fox News, a State Department memo has instructed consular officers to deny visas under existing law while the department reassesses its screening and vetting procedures. Countries affected by the suspension include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and others. Citizens from these countries will no longer be issued U.S. visas.

The visa suspension will take effect from January 21 and will remain in place indefinitely until the review of visa processing procedures is completed. Following a major fraud case in Minnesota, Somalia has come under intense scrutiny by federal authorities, as many individuals involved were Somali nationals or Somali-Americans.

In November 2025, the State Department had issued guidance to U.S. embassies worldwide, directing consular officers to implement broader screening rules under the so-called “public charge” provision of immigration law. Under these guidelines, visas can be denied to applicants likely to depend on public benefits.

Factors considered include health, age, English language proficiency, financial stability, and potential long-term medical care needs. Applications from elderly or overweight individuals may be rejected, as well as those who have previously received government cash assistance or lived in institutional care.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated, “The Department will exercise its long-standing authority to disqualify prospective immigrants who are likely to become a public burden on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.”