U.S. suspends immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, including Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The U.S. Department of State announced on Wednesday that it has suspended the processing of immigrant visa applications submitted by nationals of 75 countries, including Syria.
In a post on the X platform, the State Department said it would halt immigrant visa procedures for applicants from 75 countries, arguing that migrants from those countries make use of U.S. social welfare programs at “unacceptable rates.”
The department said the freeze would remain in place until the United States can ensure that new immigrants do not exploit public resources funded by the American people.
Countries listed as subject to the decision include Syria, Somalia, Russia, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Yemen, Nigeria, Thailand, Brazil, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Tunisia.
The State Department said they are “working to ensure the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused.”
The move follows a directive issued by the State Department in November 2025, which instructed U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide to apply stricter rules under the “public charge” provision of U.S. immigration law.
According to a U.S. official, the decision will take effect on January 21 and will remain in force “indefinitely” pending the completion of a review of the department’s policies on processing immigration applications.