U.S. State Department Temporarily Halts Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries

Financial News New York = Correspondent Lee Byung-chulThe United States Department of State (State Department) has decided to suspend processing of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries who are deemed likely to require public assistance such as welfare benefits while living in the United States. However, this measure does not apply to nonimmigrant visas for short-term stays such as tourism or business trips.
The State Department announced on the 14th (local time) that, under instructions from Secretary Marco Rubio, consular officers have been ordered to stop accepting immigrant visa applications from those countries. This is a follow-up measure to a broad executive order issued in November last year.
In a statement, the State Department stressed, “The Trump administration is putting an end to attempts by those who seek to drain the wealth of the American people by exploiting the U.S. immigration system.” It went on to say, “While we review immigration screening procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who are likely to receive welfare and other public benefits, we will temporarily suspend the processing of immigrant visas for these 75 countries.”
The State Department did not disclose the list of countries subject to this measure. However, as the Trump administration has already sharply restricted the issuance of both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for dozens of countries, including nations in Africa, observers say the latest move is a continuation of efforts to strengthen visa barriers focused on specific regions.
\r\n\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
pride@fnnews.com Correspondent Lee Byung-chul Reporter