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.
The policy could also complicate travel for fans from 15 World Cup–qualifying nations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Brazil, one of the affected countries, is among the tournament favorites.
White House and State Department officials defended the move as part of Trump’s “America First” agenda, saying it aims to stop abuse of welfare programs and protect U.S. taxpayers. Critics, however, have linked the policy to broader immigration crackdowns that have sparked protests.
The controversy intensified after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good, a U.S. citizen, during a protest in Minneapolis. Trump blamed previous border policies under Joe Biden for increased crime and defended ICE operations.
Meanwhile, Trump warned Iran of “strong action” if executions proceed, as Iranian authorities announced accelerated trials for thousands of detained protesters. The U.S. has also ordered evacuations from regional air bases, including sites in Qatar, amid fears of retaliation.
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Bhutan
Bosnia
Brazil
Burma
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Colombia
Cote d’Ivoire
Cuba
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dominica
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Liberia
Libya
Macedonia
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Nepal
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Pakistan
Republic of the Congo
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Yemen
