A leaked memo reveals President Trump has ordered a sweeping suspension of all US visa processing for 75 countries – including Russia, Iran, and Somalia
A bombshell leaked US memo has revealed that President Donald Trump wants to slam the brakes on all visa processing for 75 countries. The US State Department’s shock move is aimed at cracking down on immigrants suspected of wanting to claim public benefits.
Fears that top footballers, officials, and fans could be banned from entering America for this summer’s World Cup, with Manchester United’s Amad Diallo already among those at risk.
And with Trump’s administration issuing a new directive that could block clinically obese foreigners from getting US visas – America has become a no-go zone for many.
Now a leaked State Department memo has exposed that the US consular officers have been instructed to halt visa processing for applicants from 75 countries while officials review their screening and vetting procedures.
The pause will reportedly take effect from January 21 and will last indefinitely. The suspension will affect nations, including Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen, Fox News reported.
Spokesperson Tommy Piggott said: “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.
“Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”
The new measures will allow only “very limited” exceptions, according to Fox News. Moreover, applicants will reportedly be required to clear public charge checks.
Trump’s administration has been asserting that many of these 75 countries have populations that may lack the financial means to support themselves without state aid.
Additionally, many listed nations are cited for having fraudulent or unreliable civil documents, such as birth certificates and criminal records, making it difficult for US officials to assess an applicant’s background. Furthermore, countries like Afghanistan, Libya, and Yemen have been cited for “historical terrorist presence” and lack of government command and control over their territory.
The expansion of these bans follows high-profile security events, notably a November 2025 shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C., allegedly by an Afghan national. In response, Trump vowed to “permanently pause” migration from what he described as “Third World Countries” until vetting procedures could be fully reassessed.
Nevertheless, critics have argued that these policies are harmful because they damage the economy, undermine global diplomacy, and discriminate against vulnerable populations. “The restrictions are likely to have repercussions extending far beyond excluding nationals from the banned countries, making the US a less appealing destination for businesses and tourists from across the globe,” Jennie Murray, President and CEO National Immigration Forum, said.
Amnesty International USA called the measures “discriminatory, racist, and downright cruel”, stating that “by targeting people based on their nationality, this ban only spreads disinformation and hate”.
Meanwhile, European Leaders, including France President Emmanuel Macron, accused Trump’s administration of “coercion and intimidation” following the use of visa sanctions against European figures, with some EU officials describing the actions as “unjustified”.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters .