US channel Fox News reported that the State Department has halted visa processing for 75 countries, including Arab nations, in an attempt to limit the influx of visitors from these countries.
Fox News said it had seen a memorandum from the US State Department directing consular officials to deny visas under current law while the department reevaluates its screening and vetting procedures. These countries include Egypt, Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and others.
According to the report, the halt will begin on January 21 and will continue indefinitely until the department completes its reassessment of visa processing procedures.
The report noted that the decision instructs consular staff to deny visas to applicants believed likely to rely on public assistance, taking into account a wide range of factors including health, age, English proficiency, financial status, and potential long-term medical care needs.
It also indicated that applications may be denied for older applicants or those who are overweight, as well as for those who have previously benefited from government cash assistance or institutional care.
The report highlighted that immigration from these 75 countries will be suspended while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who might rely on social services and public benefits.
Fox News quoted State Department spokesperson Tommy Beigout, saying in a statement: "The State Department will use its long-standing authority to consider potential immigrants who would become a burden on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people as ineligible."
Fox News said it had seen a memorandum from the US State Department directing consular officials to deny visas under current law while the department reevaluates its screening and vetting procedures. These countries include Egypt, Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and others.
According to the report, the halt will begin on January 21 and will continue indefinitely until the department completes its reassessment of visa processing procedures.
The report noted that the decision instructs consular staff to deny visas to applicants believed likely to rely on public assistance, taking into account a wide range of factors including health, age, English proficiency, financial status, and potential long-term medical care needs.
It also indicated that applications may be denied for older applicants or those who are overweight, as well as for those who have previously benefited from government cash assistance or institutional care.
The report highlighted that immigration from these 75 countries will be suspended while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who might rely on social services and public benefits.
Fox News quoted State Department spokesperson Tommy Beigout, saying in a statement: "The State Department will use its long-standing authority to consider potential immigrants who would become a burden on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people as ineligible."
