US to suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries temporarily

The US government has announced that it will be suspending the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries. The move affects citizens of these countries who are seeking to enter the United States for work, study, or family reunification.

According to reports, the suspension applies to visa applications submitted on or after January 24, 2023. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not be processing any new visa applications from the affected countries until further notice.

The list of countries subject to the suspension includes Somalia, Russia, Iran, and several others. It is unclear how long the suspension will last or what specific criteria were used to determine which countries would be affected.

Citizens of the affected countries who have already submitted their visa applications will still be able to proceed with their applications, but they may face delays in processing times. The USCIS has advised those affected to check the status of their applications and plan accordingly.

The decision to suspend immigrant visa processing from certain countries is a significant development in US immigration policy. It is expected to have implications for individuals and families who rely on these visas to enter the United States.

The US government has not provided a clear explanation for the suspension, but it is believed to be related to concerns over public assistance and potential security risks.

Source: Google News World