US Halts Visa Processing for 75 Countries, Including Russia, Iran, Brazil

• The US State Department has paused all visa processing for applicants from 75 countries starting January 21.
• The pause is indefinite and applies to nations like Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Somalia, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen.
• Consular officers are directed to more aggressively enforce the 'public charge' provision of US immigration law.
• Applicants deemed likely to rely on public benefits may be denied visas, with factors like health, age, English proficiency, and finances considered.
• Somalia is under scrutiny due to a large fraud case in Minnesota involving abuse of taxpayer-funded benefit programs by Somali nationals.

Why It Matters: The US has indefinitely paused visa processing for 75 countries, citing reassessment of screening procedures.