The US State Department confirmed on the 14th that it will suspend processing immigration visa applications from 75 countries, and stated that this measure will remain "in effect."
The State Department noted that immigrants from these countries disproportionately exploit the welfare of the American people. This freeze will stay in effect until the United States can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people."
Countries affected include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Myanmar, Thailand, and Yemen, among others.
In addition, State Department spokesperson Pigott said: "While the State Department re-evaluates immigration processing procedures to prevent foreign nationals from entering and collecting benefits and public assistance, immigration visa processing for applicants from these 75 countries will be suspended."
Earlier that day, some media reported that starting from the 21st, the State Department would suspend all visa application processing for 75 countries. Subsequently, media including the Associated Press quoted a State Department spokesperson as saying that this measure specifically targets immigration visa applications from 75 countries.