The State Department is pausing visa processing for 75 countries as it cracks down on applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge,” according to a memo first reported by Fox News Digital.
The memo directs consular officers to refuse visas under existing law while the department reassesses screening and vetting procedures.
The countries listed include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen and more.
The pause is set to begin January 21 and will continue indefinitely while the reassessment is underway, according to the reporting.
Somalia, in particular, has drawn heightened scrutiny in recent months amid major Minnesota-focused fraud investigations involving taxpayer-funded benefit programs — a backdrop Fox ties to the tougher posture.
The memo builds on a prior push: in November 2025, a State Department cable instructed posts worldwide to enforce tougher screening under the “public charge” provision, weighing factors including health, age, English proficiency, finances, and potential long-term medical care needs.
Older or overweight applicants could be denied, along with those who had any past use of government cash assistance or institutionalization.
“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,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said in a statement.
🚨 BREAKING: Sec. Marco Rubio just FROZE all foreign visa processing INDEFINITELY from 75 countries including SOMALIA and NIGERIA
Also on the list is Yemen, Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt, Iran, Russia, Thailand and more, per Fox
THANK YOU MARCO! Defending America! 🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/83qhzh4MPx
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 14, 2026
More over at Fox News:
NEW: US freezes all visa processing for 75 countries, including Somalia, Russia, Iran https://t.co/d3WctwWxmQ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 14, 2026
