MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN: Trump Shuts Down Visa Pipeline for 75 Countries to Protect…

The United States has moved decisively to protect American taxpayers and national security as the Trump administration announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for 75 countries beginning January 21.

The sweeping action, first reported by Fox News Digital, marks one of the strongest immigration enforcement steps of President Donald Trump’s second term.

The State Department directive orders consular officers worldwide to halt immigrant visa approvals while the department reassesses screening and vetting standards.

Officials say the pause is aimed squarely at preventing the entry of foreign nationals likely to become a public charge on the American welfare system.

Countries affected include Somalia, Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, Egypt, Yemen, Iraq and dozens more across Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and parts of Asia.

The decision reflects the Trump administration’s renewed commitment to putting American workers, taxpayers and communities first.

A State Department memo instructs consular officers to deny visas under existing immigration law until new screening procedures are finalized.

The pause will remain in effect indefinitely, signaling that immigration approvals will no longer be rushed at the expense of accountability.

Federal officials point to repeated abuse of U.S. taxpayer funded programs as a major driver behind the policy shift.

Somalia, in particular, has drawn increased scrutiny following the massive “Feeding Our Future” fraud scandal in Minnesota, where millions in public funds were stolen.

Prosecutors revealed that many individuals involved in that scheme were Somali nationals or Somali-Americans, fueling concerns about systemic exploitation of benefit programs.

In November 2025, the State Department quietly issued guidance directing consular officers to aggressively enforce the public charge provision of immigration law.

That provision allows officials to deny visas to applicants likely to rely on government assistance after entering the United States.

Factors considered include age, health, English proficiency, financial stability and the potential need for long-term medical care.

Applicants with prior use of government assistance or a history of institutionalization now face far higher scrutiny.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the administration is using long-standing legal authority to stop abuse of America’s generosity.

“The United States will not import welfare dependency,” Piggott said, emphasizing that the pause is about protecting American resources.

Exceptions to the visa freeze will be extremely limited and granted only after applicants fully clear public charge concerns.

The move stands in sharp contrast to the Biden administration, which narrowed public charge enforcement and expanded access to benefits for migrants.

Under Biden, programs like food assistance, housing vouchers and Medicaid were excluded from consideration, weakening enforcement.

President Trump restored a broader interpretation of public charge standards during his first term, a move praised by border security advocates.

While portions of that policy were challenged in court and later rolled back, Trump’s return to office has revived a tougher stance.

The visa freeze also follows the administration’s revocation of more than 100,000 visas during Trump’s first year back in office.

Immigration officials say the pause sends a clear message that entry into the United States is a privilege, not a right.