U.S. suspends immigrant visa processing from 75 countries

"The State Department says it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the United States. The State Department, led by Secretary Marco Rubio, said Wednesday it had instructed consular officers to halt immigrant visa applications from the countries affected in accordance with a broader order issued in November that tightened rules around potential immigrants who might become "public charges" in the U.S."

""The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America's immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people," the department said in a statement. "Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.""

The State Department will suspend processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are considered likely to require public assistance while living in the United States. The department, led by Secretary Marco Rubio, instructed consular officers to halt immigrant visa applications from the affected countries under a November order that tightened rules regarding potential “public charges.” The suspension excludes non-immigrant tourist and business visas. The department framed the move as preventing welfare dependency and pausing processing while reassessing procedures. The statement did not name the 75 countries. The suspension begins Jan. 21, and similar restrictions have already targeted dozens of countries, many in Africa.

Read at Fast Company