On August 21, a federal court in the USA overturned the State Department’s ban on pausing visa processing for citizens of 75 countries. Among these countries are Russia, Iran, and Somalia.
CNN reported this.
The court ruled that U.S. immigration officers had been denying visas to applicants, even those who could support themselves, solely based on their country of origin.
The U.S. State Department’s decision stipulated that officers should deny visas to individuals likely to become dependent on public benefits. When reviewing applications, age, health status, English proficiency, financial situation, and even the likelihood of needing long-term medical care would be considered.
The entry ban also suspended the issuance of permanent resident visas for individuals joining family members or taking up employment in the U.S., but it did not apply to non-immigrant visas such as tourist or student visas.
The list of 75 countries where visa services were suspended included: Russia, Iran, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Brazil, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand.
The administration of U.S. President Trump may appeal this decision.
Since January 1, 2026, the U.S. has already implemented a full or partial suspension of visa issuance for a number of countries under separate proclamations concerning national security. The new directive from January 14 significantly expanded the list of countries and focuses specifically on economic risks to the U.S. budget.
In November 2025, a State Department telegram, sent to U.S. missions worldwide, instructed consular officers to apply new, stricter screening rules in accordance with the so-called “public charge” provision.
Source: suspilne.media