US Freezes Immigrant Visas for 75 Nations; India Exempt, Pakistan-Bangladesh Hit

• The US has indefinitely halted immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, citing concerns over potential public charges.
• Pakistan and Bangladesh are among the affected nations, while India has been exempted from this restriction.
• The Trump administration's decision, effective January 21, aims to prevent immigrants from relying on US government welfare schemes.
• US State Department officials stated the move targets those who might 'exploit the generosity of the American public' and become a burden.
• Countries like Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Egypt, Thailand, and Brazil are also on the list of affected nations.

Why It Matters: US freezes immigrant visas for 75 countries over public charge concerns, exempting India while impacting Pakistan and Bangladesh.