Starting January 21, U.S. embassies will begin rejecting immigration visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Somalia, Egypt, Iraq, Yemen, and others. This was reported by Fox News, citing a directive from the State Department that was sent to American diplomatic missions.
The channel reported that this decision was made in the name of tightening control over applicants. Internal documents from the State Department indicate that the goal is to prevent migrants who may pose a burden on society from receiving social benefits and other government assistance.
According to the new regulation, visa applications from citizens of the specified countries will be rejected based on existing laws. Meanwhile, the State Department intends to review its immigration control procedures. The duration of this visa restriction has not yet been specified.
Earlier, media reports indicated that the White House plans to impose restrictions on visa issuance to foreigners with chronic illnesses such as obesity, cancer, or diabetes. The Donald Trump administration believes that such individuals may remain in the U.S. and begin utilizing social support programs or end up in specialized institutions. It is worth noting that in November, the U.S. suspended the processing of all asylum applications.
