U.S. freezes immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Afghanistan and Iran

The United States has frozen new immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, citing welfare dependency concerns, affecting applicants from Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti and several African nations.

The United States has announced a suspension of processing immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, citing concerns over welfare dependency, the State Department said.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the department said the move was driven by what it described as “unacceptably high” rates of use of public welfare and social assistance programs by migrants from those countries.

US officials said the visa freeze will remain in place until Washington is satisfied that new immigrants will not place an undue financial burden on American taxpayers.

Countries affected by the decision include Somalia, Haiti, Iran, Afghanistan and Eritrea, according to the State Department.

The department stressed that the measure is intended to protect public resources and prevent abuse of what it called the generosity of the American people.

The decision aligns with broader US immigration policies aimed at tightening eligibility standards and reinforcing the “public charge” principle, which evaluates whether an immigrant is likely to rely on government assistance.

Similar restrictions have been introduced in past administrations, often drawing criticism from human rights groups who argue that such policies disproportionately affect vulnerable populations fleeing conflict, poverty and political instability.

The State Department said the suspension is temporary and will be reviewed as part of ongoing efforts to balance immigration controls with economic responsibility and national interests.

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