US suspends immigrant visa processing from 75 countries

The United States has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, and Russia, affecting only immigrant visas such as those required for work.

The suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas, which are used by students and tourists, allowing people from the impacted countries to still visit the U.S. and attend school.

Last year, the State Department directed more scrutiny into applications under the "public charge" provision, which is meant to keep out people from countries whose migrants are more likely to become a strain on public resources like welfare.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.