US freezes visas for 75 countries

By admin 15.01.2026 3 min read

Donald Trump has ordered an indefinite freeze on visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Russia, Iran, Afghanistan and Brazil, as the administration reviews immigration screening and vetting procedures. An internal State Department memo sent Wednesday instructs consular offices to deny visas starting January 21.

Officials say the pause is intended to prevent the entry of applicants likely to rely on U.S. public benefits. Consular officers are told to assess factors such as health, age and English proficiency. Limited exceptions may be granted, but officials say they will be rare.

The decision comes amid rising tensions with Iran, as Trump has threatened military action over the regime’s violent crackdown on protests that has killed at least 2,500 people, according to human rights groups. While the administration has not confirmed a direct link, the visa freeze coincides with U.S. military preparations in the region and warnings to Tehran over planned executions.