The United States has paused immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, with Kenya and Burundi emerging as the only East African nations exempted, according to a directive from the US State Department.
The pause, which takes effect on January 21, 2026, will remain in place indefinitely as Washington reassesses its immigrant visa screening and vetting procedures, particularly under the “public charge” provision of US immigration law.
Why the US Is Pausing Immigrant Visas
In a memo sent to consular officers worldwide, the State Department instructed officials to refuse immigrant visas under existing law while conducting a comprehensive review aimed at preventing the entry of applicants deemed likely to rely on US public benefits.
“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” said State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott.
The department said visa processing from the affected countries will remain suspended until the reassessment is complete, with very limited exceptions allowed only after applicants clear strict public charge considerations.
Kenya and Burundi Exempt in East Africa
Regionally, Kenya and Burundi are the only East African countries spared from the visa pause. Neighbouring nations including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan are on the list.
Analysts say the exemption could place pressure on Kenya and Burundi, as applicants from affected countries may attempt to use alternative documentation or residency pathways to access US visas.
Kenya is widely viewed as a key US regional ally, particularly in security cooperation and diplomacy.
Somalia Under Heightened Scrutiny
Somalia’s inclusion follows increased scrutiny from US authorities after a major fraud scandal in Minnesota, where prosecutors uncovered widespread abuse of taxpayer-funded benefit programs. Federal officials say many of those implicated were Somali nationals or Somali-Americans, intensifying concerns around public charge risks.
Full List of Affected Countries
The 75 countries affected by the immigrant visa pause include:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.
Stricter “Public Charge” Screening Rules
A State Department cable issued in November 2025 ordered consular officers to strictly enforce public charge rules when assessing visa applications.
Officers are now instructed to weigh factors such as:
- Age and health
- English proficiency
- Financial stability
- Prior use of government assistance
- Potential need for long-term medical or institutional care
Under the guidance, older or overweight applicants, as well as those with any history of cash assistance or institutionalization, could face visa denial.
Policy Shift From Biden-Era Rules
The move marks a sharp shift from Biden administration policies, which narrowed the public charge definition in 2022 to mainly cash assistance and long-term institutional care, excluding benefits such as:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- WIC nutrition program
- Medicaid
- Housing vouchers
The Immigration and Nationality Act has long allowed visa denials on public charge grounds, but enforcement has varied widely. The policy echoes the 2019 Trump-era expansion, which broadened the definition of public benefits—an approach later challenged in court and rolled back.
