Russia, Iran, Somalia Included... Korea Excluded
The Donald Trump administration will completely suspend the processing of U.S. immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Somalia and Iran, starting on January 21 (local time).
On January 14, the U.S. State Department announced on its social networking service (SNS) X (formerly Twitter) account, "We are suspending immigrant visa issuance procedures for 75 countries whose immigrants receive an unacceptable level of welfare benefits from the American people," adding, "This suspension will remain in effect until we can ensure that new immigrants do not siphon off the wealth of American citizens."
The State Department further explained, "This visa issuance suspension will affect dozens of countries, including Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea. Immigrants from these countries frequently become public charges upon entering the United States." The statement added, "We are working to ensure that the generosity of the American people is no longer abused."
A public charge refers to a person who relies on government subsidies for basic living expenses and welfare services.
This measure is expected to remain in effect indefinitely until the State Department completes its evaluation of the visa screening procedures for the relevant countries.
The State Department has not yet released the full list of affected countries, but according to The Washington Post (WP), Russia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Afghanistan, Somalia, Nigeria, Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, Thailand, and Mongolia are included. Many of these countries were previously listed in the Trump administration's travel ban. South Korea is not included.
The suspended visas are employment visas and family reunification visas. Non-immigrant visas, such as student or tourist visas, are not included.
CNN reported, citing officials, that the suspension will begin on January 21.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement, "The State Department will use its existing authority to deem potential immigrants who may become public charges or abuse the generosity of Americans as ineligible," adding, "While we review the immigration screening process to prevent the entry of foreigners who could exploit welfare and public benefits, we will temporarily suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of the 75 affected countries."
Previously, in November of last year, the Trump administration sent a directive to embassies worldwide instructing them to deny visas to applicants who, considering factors such as health, age, and financial status, are likely to depend on U.S. 'public benefits.'
Immediately after taking office last year, President Trump signed an executive order directing stricter screening of foreigners seeking entry to the United States. Since then, the Trump administration has applied stricter standards to visa screening.
In the case of Somalia, U.S. immigration authorities are closely monitoring the country after a number of Somali immigrants were implicated in a welfare fraud case in Minnesota. The Department of Homeland Security is also reportedly planning to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis residing in the United States.
For Iran, the measure appears to be influenced by the ongoing anti-government protests within the country.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
