US visa suspensions: What you need to know

"Technically, applications can still be made and interviews and appointments can still be scheduled, but they will not progress to the point where visas are issued. Current visas granted to nationals of the affected countries will remain valid. The State Department, or DOS, says the only exception to the suspension comes for "dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed.""

"The framing from the Trump administration is that this is all about easing what it considers a welfare burden on the US from immigrants. "President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans," read a statement from the US Department of State, which went on to assert that the policy is designed to ensure that "immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge.""

Visa applications for permanent US residency from 75 countries will be suspended from January 21, affecting nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe, including Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Thailand, Albania, Russia, Uruguay and Egypt. The suspension stops processing before visas are issued; applicants can still apply and schedule interviews, but issuance will not occur. Current visas remain valid. Dual nationals using passports from non-listed countries are exempt. The administration says the measure aims to prevent immigrants from becoming a public charge and reduce welfare costs. The suspension duration is unknown and may be indefinite. Existing "public charge" rules already allow barring potentially dependent immigrants.

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