Among the countries whose citizens have had immigration visas suspended by the U.S., there is not a single member state of the European Union, according to available information from the U.S. State Department, reports LETA.
However, the list includes several European countries that are not part of the EU — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. It also includes Russia and Belarus.
As explained by the U.S. State Department, the decision was made in connection with a review of immigration policy, rules, and guidelines to ensure that immigrants to the U.S. are financially self-sufficient and do not become a burden on the social welfare system. The statement notes that U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized that immigrants must be able to support themselves and should not become a financial burden on Americans.
The issuance of immigration visas has been suspended for citizens of 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bhutan, Brazil, Georgia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Cambodia, Cameroon, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Tunisia, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and many others.
The State Department clarifies that citizens of these countries can still apply for visas and attend interviews; however, during the period of restrictions, immigration visas will not be issued. The restriction does not apply to non-immigrant visas — for example, tourist visas — and does not affect already issued immigration visas.
As previously reported, the U.S. has suspended the issuance of immigration visas to citizens of 75 countries, as announced by the White House on Wednesday.
Although the U.S. has long denied visas to individuals who are believed to potentially require social assistance, the State Department stated that it will now more broadly exercise these powers by suspending visa issuance based on the applicant's nationality.
"The Trump administration will put an end to abuses of the U.S. immigration system," said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
He stated that the consideration of immigration visa applications from citizens of these 75 countries has been suspended until a reassessment of the application review process is completed, in order to prevent the entry of foreigners into the U.S. who are relying on government assistance and social benefits.
Trump does not hide his desire to reduce immigration from non-European backgrounds. He has referred to Somalis as "garbage" and stated that "they should go back to where they came from," while not opposing immigration from Scandinavia.
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