The United States has placed an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, as part of a sweeping review of its visa screening regime under the long-standing “public charge” rules.

The U.S. State Department said the suspension takes effect from January 21 and will remain in force while consular officers reassess procedures used to determine whether prospective immigrants are likely to become dependent on public welfare systems in the United States.

The affected countries span Africa, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. In Africa, Ghana and Nigeria, two of the largest sources of African immigrants to the United States, are among those impacted, alongside Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Senegal and Egypt. Other affected countries include Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil, Iran, Iraq and Yemen.

Under the public charge framework, U.S. authorities may deny immigrant visas based on several factors, including an applicant’s age, health condition, financial standing, language proficiency, family support networks and the likelihood of relying on long-term public assistance.

Explaining the decision, State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the move is aimed at protecting U.S. public resources.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” he said in comments to Fox News.

He added that immigration from Ghana, Nigeria and the other affected countries would be paused while the State Department reassesses visa processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who may rely heavily on welfare and public benefits.

The decision follows heightened scrutiny of immigration-related welfare abuse after a major fraud investigation in Minnesota involving taxpayer-funded benefit programmes, where many of those implicated were reportedly Somali or Somali American.

Despite the broad scope of the suspension, analysts note that it does not affect non-immigrant visas, including student, tourist and business visas. It also does not alter existing diplomatic, security or trade relations between the United States and affected countries such as Ghana and Nigeria.

U.S. authorities say further guidance will be issued to embassies and consulates worldwide as the review process continues.

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