The U.S. Department of State is suspending all visa processing for 75 countries, including Brazil, Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen, Fox News reported on Wednesday (14). The U.S. Department of State posted on X stating that the suspension applies to immigrant visas. Thus, it does not affect Brazilian travelers who wish to tour the United States.
The U.S. government is suspending the issuance of visas for immigrants from Brazil and 74 other countries. The measure is part of a strategy to tighten control over applicants considered more likely to become a “public charge,” that is, dependent on government benefits after entering the country. The freeze on the immigrant visa processing begins on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely.
U.S. Visa Issuance Suspension
According to an internal State Department memo, first obtained by Fox News, consular officers have been instructed to deny visas based on existing legislation while the government conducts a complete reassessment of applicant screening and vetting procedures.
The list of countries facing U.S. visa suspension includes Brazil, as well as Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, among others. According to the document, the suspension will remain in effect until the department completes the review of visa issuance rules.
In a statement, State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the department will use its legal authority to bar potential immigrants who may become a burden on the United States. “Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses procedures to prevent the entry of foreigners who may improperly benefit from public assistance programs,” he stated.
Public Assistance Programs Are the Reason
The decision comes amid increased scrutiny of fraud cases involving public assistance programs. Somalia, for example, has received special attention from federal authorities following the discovery of a widespread fraud scheme in Minnesota, in which there was abuse of publicly funded programs. Investigations indicated that many of those involved were Somali citizens or Somali-Americans.
In November 2025, the State Department had already sent a communication to consulates worldwide ordering the application of new and stricter evaluation rules based on the “public charge” clause of immigration legislation. The guidelines instruct agents to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to depend on public benefits, taking into account factors such as health, age, English proficiency, financial situation, and even the possibility of needing long-term medical care.
According to the new guidelines, older applicants, those who are overweight, or who have a history of using government financial assistance or institutionalization may also have their applications denied.
Official U.S. Government Publication
The U.S. State Department made 3 posts on X with the following message: “The Trump administration will always put the United States first. The suspension affects dozens of countries – including Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea – whose immigrants frequently become a public charge for the United States as soon as they arrive. We are working to ensure that the generosity of the American people is no longer abused. The State Department will suspend processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries whose immigrants receive social benefits from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain in effect until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants do not extract wealth from the American people.”
Source: https://passageirodeprimeira.com