Nigeria is amongst the countries affected after the United States State Department announced an indefinite pause in immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries as part of a broader crackdown on individuals deemed likely to become a “public charge.”
Other countries affected include: Somalia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Russia, Brazil, Thailand and Yemen with the pause scheduled to take effect from January 21, and will remain in place until the review process is completed.
According to an internal State Department memo first reported by Fox News Digital, consular officers have been directed to refuse immigrant visas under existing law while the department conducts a comprehensive reassessment of screening and vetting procedures.
Expanded Use of “Public Charge” Rule
The move builds on guidance issued in November 2025, when the State Department circulated a cable to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide instructing officers to apply stricter standards under the public charge provision of U.S. immigration law.
Under the revised guidance, visa applicants may be denied if they are assessed as likely to depend on public benefits in the future. Consular officers are instructed to weigh a broad range of factors, including:
- Age and health status
- English language proficiency
- Financial resources and employment prospects
- Prior use of government cash assistance
- Potential need for long-term medical care
The criteria also reportedly allow officers to consider factors such as obesity, advanced age or past institutionalisation when determining eligibility.
This development that could have significant implications for family-based immigration and employment-linked migration to the United States.
US Government Justification
Commenting on the policy, State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the action was aimed at protecting U.S. public resources.
“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,” Piggott said.
“Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”
Immigration analysts say the pause introduces fresh uncertainty for thousands of prospective immigrants, particularly from developing economies, and could significantly slow legal migration channels if the reassessment extends for several months.
