…US embassies and consular officers were directed to deny visas under the existing “public charge” law
US- The iNews Times | The United States Department plans to pause visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Nigeria, who are considered likely to rely on welfare or other public benefits.
The suspension, set to begin on January 21 and remain in effect indefinitely while the department reviews immigrant visa procedures, will affect applicants from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Countries included in the pause include Nigeria, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil, and Thailand, among others.
Earlier this year, United States President, Donald Trump highlighted welfare dependency among immigrant households, noting that roughly 33.3 per cent of Nigerian immigrant households received some form of public assistance.
A State Department memo, first reported by Fox News Digital, directed United States embassies and consular officers to deny visas under the existing “public charge” law while reassessing screening and vetting processes. The guidance allows consular officers to deny visas to applicants who are older, overweight, or have previously used government cash assistance or institutional 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,” said State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott. “Visa processing for nationals of these 75 countries will be paused while we reassess immigration procedures to prevent the entry of individuals likely to rely on welfare and public benefits.”
In November 2025, a State Department cable sent to posts worldwide instructed consular officers to enforce stricter screening rules under the “public charge” provision, which considers factors such as health, age, English proficiency, finances, and potential need for long-term medical care.
While the public charge rule has existed for decades, enforcement has varied across administrations. Historically, consular officers have had broad discretion in applying the standard, but President Trump expanded it in 2019 to cover a wider range of public benefits.
