U.S. Suspends Immigration Visa Processing for 75 Countries

The U.S. Department of State has announced a suspension of immigration visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Montenegro, effective January 21, 2024. This decision aims to address concerns about applicants who may become a burden on public funds.

According to an internal memorandum obtained by Fox News Digital, consular officers have been instructed to deny visas based on existing laws while the Department reevaluates its screening and security protocols. The countries affected by this suspension include Afghanistan, Somalia, Russia, and Iran, among others.

In November 2025, the Department issued guidance to U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide, requiring consular officials to apply new, expanded criteria under the so-called “public charge” provision of immigration law. This provision allows visa denial for applicants deemed likely to rely on public benefits, taking into account various factors such as age, health, English language proficiency, and financial circumstances.

The new guidelines specifically highlight that older or overweight applicants, as well as those with a history of using government assistance, may face rejection. Although the public charge provision has existed for decades, its enforcement has varied significantly between different administrations. Historically, consular officers have had considerable discretion in applying these rules.

The exemptions to this visa suspension will be extremely limited. Applicants will only be considered for exceptions after undergoing a thorough re-evaluation concerning their public charge status.

The comprehensive list of countries affected by this measure includes a wide range of nations, such as Algeria, Bangladesh, Cuba, and Yemen. Notably, the inclusion of Montenegro in this list has raised eyebrows, given its status as a potential candidate for EU membership.

The ramifications of this policy shift are significant for many individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States. Affected applicants may now find themselves navigating a more complex and stringent visa application process, reflecting broader changes in U.S. immigration policy aimed at prioritizing economic self-sufficiency.

As the Department of State continues to assess its visa processing systems, the long-term impact of this decision remains to be seen, particularly for those from nations facing economic and political instability.