Trump to suspend visa services for 75 countries including Pakistan, six of India’s neighbours on list, know the reason
Washington DC (The Uttam Hindu): The United States has decided to suspend visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries starting January 21. The list includes Pakistan, Bangladesh and six neighbouring countries of India. According to a Fox News report, the decision is based on an internal memo of the US State Department and is aimed at limiting the number of foreign nationals entering the country.
The US State Department said it will use its legal authority to deny visas to applicants who are suspected of becoming dependent on government welfare or public assistance after arriving in the US.
Under the decision, US embassies and consular officials have been instructed to reject visa applications until a fresh review of screening and verification procedures is completed. There is no clarity yet on how long this suspension will remain in force.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the Trump administration wants to prevent misuse of the immigration system and stop individuals who may take unfair advantage of American taxpayers’ money. He added that immigrant visa processing for these 75 countries will remain on hold until measures are in place to block entry of those likely to claim public benefits.
However, the move will not affect tourist, business or other temporary visas. This includes visitors travelling to the US to attend events such as the football World Cup scheduled this year. Despite this, the Trump administration has indicated that social media accounts of all visa applicants will be reviewed.
List of 75 countries released
The US administration has also released a detailed list of countries covered under the decision. These include nations from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, North, South and Central America. The list features Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Syria, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Russia, Albania, Belarus, Bosnia, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Guatemala and Nicaragua.
According to The Moscow Times, President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he wants to reduce immigration from non-European countries. Earlier, he made controversial remarks about people from Somalia, while describing citizens of Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Sweden and Denmark as better options for the US.