The US State Department confirmed it will suspend issuing "permanent residency" visas for 75 countries, including Thailand, starting 21 Jan 2026, to strengthen screening and prevent individuals from entering to exploit US government welfare benefits.
On 14 Jan 2026, the US State Department posted on X that it will halt the issuance of Immigrant Visas for 75 countries whose immigrants have been found to access American public benefits at an unacceptably high rate.
The State Department added that this suspension will remain in effect until the US is confident that new immigrants will not drain the wealth of American citizens.
Previously, Fox News reported that the US State Department is suspending the permanent residency visa process for 75 countries to weed out applicants likely to become a "public charge," meaning those dependent on government support for living or long-term care.
Countries affected by this latest US move include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and others.
This suspension will begin on 21 Jan and continue indefinitely until the State Department completes its reassessment of the visa process.
However, this suspension does not apply to Nonimmigrant Visas for temporary stays in the US, such as for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, or study.
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Source:x.com/StateDept