The measure only affects immigrant visas, granted to people who wish to reside permanently in the United States, such as those who marry an American citizen or work permanently in the country.
The suspension of the issuance of immigrant visas imposed by the United States on Brazil and 74 other countries comes into force this Wednesday, 21st.
The measure only affects immigrant visas, granted to people who wish to reside permanently in the US, such as those who marry an American citizen or work permanently in the country. The issuance of non-immigrant visas – intended, for example, for tourists and students – will not be impacted.
The decision was announced on January 14 by the State Department. According to the ministry, the objective is to prevent the admission of citizens who could become a public charge for the American government. “The freeze will remain in effect until the United States can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people,” the agency said. “We are working to ensure that the generosity of the American people is no longer exploited.”
Fox News reported that consular officials were instructed to deny immigrant visas to applicants likely to rely on public benefits, taking into account factors such as health, age, English proficiency, financial situation and possible need for long-term medical care.
According to the broadcaster, elderly or overweight candidates would have a greater chance of having their applications denied.
In addition to Brazil, the measure also affects countries such as Russia, Nigeria, Egypt, Thailand, Iran and Iraq. See below the full list of impacted nations:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Bosnia
- Brazil
- Myanmar
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Colombia
- Ivory Coast
- Cuba
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Dominica
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Gana
- Granada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- Macedonia
- Moldavia
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Republic of the Congo
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
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