WASHINGTON, D.C. — In one of the most sweeping immigration actions since President Donald Trump’s return to office, the U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, that it will indefinitely pause immigrant visa processing for 75 countries.
The move targets nationalities the administration deems at “high risk” of becoming a public charge—a legal term for individuals primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. This policy is set to take effect on January 21, 2026, just one day after the administration’s first anniversary.
1. The Rationale: Protecting the “American Taxpayer”
The State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, issued a statement emphasizing that the pause is necessary to “reassess screening procedures.”
- The Goal: To prevent the entry of foreign nationals who might “extract wealth” or rely on welfare programs such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Official Statement: “President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans,” the department stated on social media.
- The Scale: The pause impacts more than one-third of the world’s nations, including major countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia, Brazil, Nigeria, and Iran.
2. What is (and isn’t) Paused
It is important to distinguish which travelers are affected by this specific directive:
- PAUSED: Immigrant Visas (Green Cards)
- Family-sponsored visas (spouses, parents, and children of U.S. citizens/LPRs).
- Employment-based permanent residency (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3).
- Diversity Visas (Green Card Lottery).
- NOT AFFECTED: Non-Immigrant Visas
- Tourism/Business (B1/B2): Travel for leisure or business remains open, including for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
- Students (F-1): Educational pathways are currently exempt.
- Work Visas (H-1B, L-1): Temporary workers are not included in this specific “public charge” pause.
- Exceptions: Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a country not on the list are exempt.
3. The “Public Charge” Screening Criteria
While the pause is active, consular officers have been instructed to apply a “comprehensive” vetting process for any future applicants. Factors that will be heavily scrutinized include:
- Age and Health: Ability to work and likelihood of needing long-term medical care.
- Financial Status: Assets, resources, and credit scores.
- Education and Skills: English proficiency and employability in the U.S. job market.
- Family Status: Whether the applicant has enough dependents to potentially require public assistance.
4. Impact on India and Neighbors
While India is notably absent from the list of 75 countries, the region is heavily impacted:
- Excluded: India and China (for now).
- Included: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Afghanistan.
- Context: Experts suggest India’s exclusion may be due to the high percentage of high-skilled (H-1B) immigrants who are statistically less likely to use public benefits compared to family-based migrants from other regions.