The US State Department has paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries to stop applicants likely to become a public charge. A memo obtained by Fox News Digital orders consular officers to refuse visas under current law while the department reviews screening procedures. The pause started on January 21 and will continue indefinitely. In November 2025, a State Department cable told consular officers worldwide to apply strict new screening rules under the "public charge" law. This law allows visa denial to those who might depend on public benefits. Officers now weigh factors like health, age, English skills, finances, and possible long-term medical needs. Older or overweight applicants face higher chances of denial, as do those who previously used government cash aid or were institutionalized. State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said, "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." He added, "Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits." The list of affected countries includes Somalia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and many more. The full list is extensive, covering nations from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Thailand, and Yemen, among others.