US suspends immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Somalia

WASHINGTON — The United States will indefinitely suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Somalia, the State Department announced, marking one of the broadest restrictions on legal immigration in recent years.

The policy, which takes effect Jan. 21, halts approvals of immigrant visas while the State Department reviews screening and vetting procedures. Citizens from the affected countries can still apply, but no visas will be issued until the review is complete.

The list includes countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe. Alongside Somalia, the affected nations include Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Uganda and Yemen.

The State Department said the move aims to prevent foreign nationals who may become dependent on public assistance from entering the United States. The suspension applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect nonimmigrant categories such as tourist, business or student visas. Exceptions may apply to dual nationals holding passports from countries not on the list.

The policy is expected to impact families, students and others seeking long-term relocation to the United States, although existing visas will remain valid until they expire. Human rights groups and some governments have criticized the suspension as discriminatory and potentially harmful to diplomatic relations.

The announcement comes amid a broader crackdown on immigration that has tightened asylum and visa processes under the current U.S. administration.

GAROWE ONLINE