Trump administration to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 nations

US President Donald J. Trump’s administration is suspending processing for immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, a State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday, as part of Washington’s intensifying immigration crackdown.

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The pause, which will impact applicants from Latin American countries including Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay, Balkan countries such as Bosnia and Albania, South Asian countries Pakistan and Bangladesh, and those from many nations in Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, will begin on Jan. 21, the spokesperson said.

A State Department cable outlining the move and seenby Reuters said the department was undergoing a “full review” of all policies, regulations and guidance to ensure “the highest level of screening and vetting” for all US visa applicants,

The cable, sent to US missions, said there were indications that nationals from these countries had sought public benefits in the United States.

“Applicants from these countries are at a high risk for becoming a public charge and recourse to local, state and federal government resources in the United States,” the cable outlining the move which was reviewed by Reuters said.