Fox News announced that the U.S. State Department has decided to suspend all visa issuance operations for citizens of 75 countries, including Arab countries, in a move aimed at enhancing scrutiny of applicants who may constitute a “burden on the public assistance system” in the United States.
According to an internal memo issued by the State Department, reviewed by Fox News Digital, U.S. consulates have been directed to deny visa applications based on applicable laws, pending a comprehensive reassessment of screening procedures.
The list of countries covered by the decision includes Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen, in addition to other countries.
The network clarified that this suspension will begin on January 21st and will continue for an indefinite period, until the State Department completes a comprehensive review of policies for handling visa applications.
Fox News pointed out that Somalia has been subject to intense scrutiny by U.S. federal authorities, against the backdrop of a large-scale fraud case uncovered in Minnesota, involving the misuse of taxpayer-funded assistance programs, where many of those involved were of Somali origin. (Sky News Arabia)
