The United States has announced a temporary pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, as the State Department reviews its visa screening procedures under the long-standing “public charge” rules.
The pause, which takes effect on January 21, will remain in place indefinitely while consular officers reassess how applicants are evaluated to determine whether they might become overly reliant on U.S. public welfare programs.
Affected countries span Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, and include Ghana, Nigeria, Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Thailand, and Yemen.
The “public charge” provision allows U.S. authorities to deny visas based on factors such as age, health, financial capacity, English proficiency, family support, and the likelihood of needing long-term care or public assistance.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott explained that the measure is intended to protect U.S. public resources. “Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would rely on welfare and public benefits,” he said.
The heightened scrutiny follows a major fraud investigation in Minnesota involving taxpayer-funded benefits, with many implicated individuals reportedly of Somali descent.
Analysts note that the pause does not affect non-immigrant visas, including student, tourist, or business visas, and does not impact existing trade or diplomatic relations.
For Ghana, the development comes as the country continues to enjoy strong economic ties with the U.S., including eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows duty-free access to the U.S. market and supports exports, job creation, and private sector growth.
Officials stress that the visa suspension is a procedural review rather than a country-specific ban and may be lifted once updated screening measures are finalized.
