The Trump administration plans to suspend the issuance of immigrant visas for 75 countries. Among the countries affected are Albania and Kosovo.
The decision is expected to enter into force on January 21.
According to CNN, the suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas such as student and tourist visas, and as such will not apply to those seeking to travel to the World Cup in the US taking place this summer.
The visa categories affected are family reunification, employment, adoption, special immigrants, diversity immigration (lottery).
The decision is based on an internal State Department memo, which instructs consular officers to deny immigrant visa applications based on a legal provision known as “public charge,” which aims to bar the entry of people who could become a burden on the U.S. public assistance system.
The US State Department announces that the freeze on visa processing targets countries from which, according to US authorities, a high percentage of immigrants end up benefiting from social assistance schemes.
According to the State Department, the measure will remain in effect until the US is assured that new immigrants will not constitute a burden on American taxpayers, as part of the Trump administration’s “America First” policy.
Under the new guidelines, consular officers must assess factors such as health status, age, English language proficiency, financial situation, and the possibility of needing long-term health care.
Fox News reports that older applicants, those with health problems or who have previously received state assistance, may face visa rejection.
A State Department spokesman, quoted by Fox News, said that US authorities will use their legal powers to prevent the entry of individuals who may exploit the social assistance system, while a full review of immigration policies is still in progress.