US Freezes Immigrant Visas for 75 Nations, Citing Public Charge Concerns

• The US State Department announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visas for individuals from 75 countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, starting January 21.
• The ban targets foreigners who might require public assistance, aiming to prevent 'abuse' of the system by those who would 'extract wealth' through welfare benefits.
• Affected countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Russia, Iran, Nepal, and many others, some already on Trump's expanded travel ban list.
• The suspension applies to immigrant visas (for permanent residency, employment, family reunification) but not non-immigrant visas (tourism, study, temporary work).
• Experts, including the Cato Institute, argue that immigrants use fewer benefits than US-born Americans, questioning the necessity of the new restrictions.

Why It Matters: US halts immigrant visas for 75 countries, citing public charge concerns, despite expert claims of low immigrant welfare use.