Faisalabad (nytoday) The United States has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of a total of 75 countries, including Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Somalia, and Afghanistan. This decision will take effect from January 21.
According to an internal memo issued by the US State Department, the move is aimed at cracking down on visa applicants who are feared to be dependent on the state welfare system, which is known in legal terms as “public charge.”
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According to a report by Fox News Digital, the State Department has instructed consular officers to closely review visa applications under current rules and deny applications if necessary. The immigrant visa screening and waiting system is also being reviewed as part of this process, sources say. People who are older, have health problems, have received government financial assistance in the past or have a record of being in an institution are likely to be denied visas.
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State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in this regard that the United States will use its long-standing legal authority to ineligible potential immigrants who intend to take advantage of the welfare benefits of the American people or become a burden on the welfare system. He added that immigration from these 75 countries is being temporarily suspended to prevent the arrival of people who may rely on public benefits.
It should be noted that the law related to “public charge” has been part of the US immigration system for decades, but the implementation method has varied under different administrations, while consular officers have also had considerable discretion in this regard.
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The countries included in the visa ban list include Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Somalia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Nigeria, Morocco, Lebanon, Nepal, Thailand, Yemen, as well as several countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.