On Wednesday, the United States announced a halt to the processing of immigrant visas for individuals from 75 countries, including Russia, marking President Donald Trump’s latest action against foreigners attempting to enter the country.
Historically, the U.S. has denied visas to applicants deemed likely to rely on government assistance. However, the State Department revealed that it would now implement a broad suspension of immigrant visas based on nationality.
“The Trump administration is putting an end to the exploitation of America’s immigration system by those looking to benefit financially at the expense of the American populace,” stated State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
He added, “Immigrant visa applications from these 75 nations will be paused as the State Department reviews immigration processing protocols to obstruct the entry of individuals who may utilize welfare and public services.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared on X that among the countries impacted are Somalia—targeted by Trump in past remarks related to a funding controversy involving Somali immigrants in Minnesota—alongside Russia and Iran.
Leavitt referred to a Fox News article indicating that other affected nations include Brazil, Egypt, and Thailand, all of which maintain amicable relations with the United States.
The State Department has not yet provided a complete list of the countries involved.
In 2021, the U.S. had already restricted most visa services for Russians at its embassy in Moscow, the only operational U.S. diplomatic post in the region.
As of 2025, the State Department instructed Russian citizens seeking nonimmigrant U.S. visas to travel to Poland or Kazakhstan for their necessary interviews, while those applying for immigrant visas were required to appear at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw.
Trump has openly expressed his intention to limit immigration from individuals not of European ancestry. He has referred to Somalis as “garbage,” suggesting they should “return to their origins,” while indicating a willingness to accept immigrants from Scandinavian countries.
The State Department announced on Monday that it has rescinded over 100,000 visas since Trump’s return, marking a record for a single year.
Last month, the Department of Homeland Security reported that the Trump administration has deported more than 605,000 individuals, with an additional 2.5 million leaving voluntarily.
This latest directive does not impact tourist, business, or other types of visas, such as those for soccer fans attending the upcoming World Cup, although the Trump administration has pledged to scrutinize the social media backgrounds of all applicants.
