US ban on all 75 countries visa comes into effect!

Background 1: News reports indicate that in November 2025, the U.S. State Department sent a cable to embassies and consulates worldwide, instructing consular officials to implement comprehensive new screening rules under the “public charge” clause of immigration law. This guidance instructs consular officials to have discretion to refuse visas to applicants who may rely on public benefits, weighing various factors including health status, age, English proficiency, financial situation, and even potential needs such as long-term healthcare. The elderly, overweight, or those who have previously used government cash assistance may be denied visas.

Background 2: Media reports: Minnesota was exposed for applying for $250 million in federal funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, falsely claiming to be receiving child benefits. He provided hundreds of meals but actually used the money for personal purposes, and was accused of forging invoices and submitting false attendance records. The state is a major settlement area for Somali natives, and the case involves Somali individuals; over 60 people have been convicted in total. —Media reports indicate that this US visa restriction order is related to the Minnesota welfare fraud scandal, involving Somali citizens or Somali-Americans.

Background 3: The US Congress established Temporary Protected Status in 1990 to provide asylum to people from countries suffering from war or environmental disasters. Immigrants holding Temporary Protected Status can generally reside and work legally in the United States. On January 13, 2026, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Both Noem and the White House press secretary stated that the situation in Somalia has improved, and allowing Somalis to continue staying in the United States is not in the U.S. interest; their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is no longer applicable. Somali immigrants already holding this status will be required to leave the United States by March 17. On January 14, 2026, the U.S. federal government ordered the State Department to crack down on visa fraud globally under the reinstated “public charge” rule. Simultaneously, it suspended the review and processing of all U.S. visa applications from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026, and indefinitely. State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott stated that the government will use its authority to prevent immigrants who may exploit U.S. welfare benefits from entering the country. Exceptions to this suspension are extremely rare; applicants must pass a public charge review to be approved.

I. Which 75 countries have imposed visa bans on the United States?

II. Will applicants from the 75 countries who have already applied for US immigration be affected?

Africa

Algeria
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Cote d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
The Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Liberia
Libya
Morocco
Nigeria
Republic of the Congo
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda

Middle East & North Africa / West Asia

Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Syria
Yemen

Asia

Bangladesh
Bhutan
Burma (Myanmar)
Cambodia
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Mongolia
Nepal
Pakistan
Thailand
Uzbekistan

Albania
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Bosnia
Georgia
Kosovo
Macedonia
Moldova
Montenegro
Russia

Latin America & Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Brazil
Colombia
Cuba
Dominica
Grenada
Guatemala
Haiti
Jamaica
Nicaragua
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Uruguay

Else

Afghanistan
Fiji

—It is highly likely that visa processing for immigrants from the 75 countries will slow down after the visa ban takes effect, but it will not be directly suspended or revoked. The ban has just been issued; we’ll see if there are any subsequent amendments.

III. The US has consulates in most of these 75 countries. Will these consulates be withdrawn? Can applicants still apply for non-immigrant visas?

—According to research, major/key countries with US consulates include: Russia (Moscow), Brazil (Brasilia, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, etc.), Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai), Egypt (Cairo), Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja), Colombia (Bogota), etc. These locations not only process visas but are also important US diplomatic outposts. Countries without consulates or those that have closed: Among the 75 countries, a very small number do not currently have active US consulates, usually due to war or a breakdown in diplomatic relations. Afghanistan: The Kabul embassy closed in 2021, and its operations are currently handled by the Islamabad embassy in Pakistan. Belarus: The Minsk consulate has suspended services for security reasons, and is being handled by the Warsaw consulate in Poland. Syria, Iran, Libya: Due to the lack of diplomatic relations or conflict, the United States typically does not provide direct consular services in these countries and must handle them through third-party countries (such as Switzerland, Jordan, etc.). This ban appears to apply to all visas, but it primarily concerns “public charge” for immigrant visa applications. The impact on non-immigrant visas should be relatively small. Whether non-immigrant visa applications will be completely restricted in the future depends on any new policies. One of the key tasks of overseas consulates is the review and issuance of visa applications.

IV. Will Chinese applicants be affected by the visa ban?

—Unless a major event occurs, Chinese applicants are not expected to be affected by the visa ban now or in the future. However, the review of “public charge” applications for immigrant visas affects all immigrant visa applicants.

V. The three core benefits of a US green card:

• certainty and a safe haven: As the US intensifies its deportation of refugees and illegal immigrants (large-scale deportations have already begun in 2025), the legal status of green card holders will become the only absolute guarantee for living in the US. Community safety will be structurally improved due to strict law enforcement.
• Economic access: Under the “America First” policy and the trade protection umbrella of high tariffs and high wages, holding a green card means you can legally enter the protected US labor market and share in the economic benefits brought by the return of technology.
• Social credit endorsement: Under the new regulations in 2026, those who can obtain a green card through an interview have been officially defined as an elite group who are “financially sound, in good health, and pose no security threat.” This is not just a residency permit, but also a background check approval document that meets the highest global standards.