US Suspends Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries Over Welfare Concerns; India Excluded

• The US State Department has paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Somalia, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan.
• The suspension aims to block entry to individuals deemed likely to rely on public welfare benefits, effective January 21.
• The move reflects stricter enforcement of the "public charge" provision of US immigration law.
• India is notably excluded from the list, seen as a signal of Washington's trust in Indian applicants.
• The suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas (tourist/business) and exempts World Cup travelers.

Why It Matters: US halts immigrant visa processing for 75 nations due to welfare concerns, excluding India.