The United States has announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, as part of a review of its long-standing “public charge” screening rules.

According to the U.S. State Department, the pause takes effect January 21 and will remain in force indefinitely while consular officers reassess how applicants are evaluated to determine whether they are likely to become dependent on U.S. public welfare systems.

The affected countries span Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, and include Ghana, Nigeria, Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Thailand, and Yemen, among others.

What is the “public charge” rule?


Under U.S. immigration law, consular officers can deny immigrant visas to applicants deemed likely to become a public charge. This assessment is based on factors such as:

  • Age and health status

  • Financial capacity and employment prospects

  • English proficiency

  • Family support systems

  • Likelihood of needing long-term care or government assistance

Explaining the decision, State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the measure is meant to protect U.S. public resources.
“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” he told Fox News. “Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”

The tougher stance follows a major fraud investigation in Minnesota involving taxpayer-funded benefit programmes, in which many of the suspects were reportedly Somali or Somali-American.

What this means for Ghanaians


The pause does not affect non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, or business visas, and it does not change trade or diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Ghana.

It also comes at a time when Ghana–U.S. economic ties remain strong. Recently, Washington extended Ghana’s eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by three years, allowing Ghanaian exports to enter the U.S. market duty-free and supporting jobs and private-sector growth.

While the suspension may worry Ghanaians seeking permanent residence in the U.S., officials insist it is a procedural review rather than a country-specific ban and could be lifted once new screening measures are finalised.

Countries affected include


Ghana, Nigeria, Somalia, Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Yemen, and others.

U.S. authorities say further guidance will be issued to embassies and consulates worldwide as the review continues.