Journalism of Courage
US President Donald Trump’s administration is set to “pause” visa processing for 75 countries, including Somalia, Russia, Iran, and Afghanistan from January 21 onwards, a US State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday.
A State Department memo, quoted by Reuters, directs consular officers to reject visas under the existing laws while the department works on the screening and vetting procedures.
Among the list of countries whose visa processing has been paused reportedly include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen.
The pause in visa process comes amid the sweeping immigration crackdown pursued by President Trump since assumed the office in January last year.
The US president had in November vowed to “permanently pause” migration from all “Third World Countries” after a shooting took place near the White House by an Afghan national that killed a National Guard personnel.
The State Department further said, “The pause impacts dozens of countries – including Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea – whose immigrants often become public charges on the United States upon arrival. We are working to ensure the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused.”
The suspension of visa, which comes into effect from January 21 onwards, will not apply to applicants seeking non-immigrant visas, or temporary tourist or business visas, AP reported.
According to Fox News, the full list of countries affected by the State Department’s visa suspension include:
(with inputs from agencies)
