U.S. freezes immigrant visas from 75 countries, citing 'public charge' risk
The U.S. State Department will suspend processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries beginning Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, saying the move is intended to prevent entry of people who would “take welfare and public benefits” and to end “abuse of America’s immigration system.” The freeze applies only to immigrant visas (non‑immigrant tourist and business visas are exempt and expected to surge ahead of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics) and affects countries including Somalia, Iran, Russia, Nigeria and Brazil, with Somalia’s inclusion explicitly linked in administration messaging to Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future–related benefit fraud scandals.
đź“Ś Key Facts
- The U.S. is freezing immigrant visas for 75 countries, with the suspension beginning Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
- The State Department says the suspension applies only to immigrant visas; non‑immigrant tourist and business visas are explicitly exempt and are expected to surge ahead of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
- A full list of the 75 affected countries was published; it includes nations with large Twin Cities diasporas such as Somalia, Iran, Russia, Nigeria and Brazil.
- The State Department justified the measure as aimed at preventing entry of people who would 'take welfare and public benefits,' framing the action as ending 'abuse of America’s immigration system.'
- Administration messaging links Somalia’s inclusion to Minnesota’s high‑profile Feeding Our Future–adjacent benefit fraud scandals, explicitly tying the visa policy to that Minnesota case narrative.
đź“Š Relevant Data
In 2022, immigrants consumed 21 percent less welfare and entitlement benefits than native-born Americans on a per capita basis.
Immigrant and Native Consumption of Means-Tested Welfare and Entitlement Benefits in 2022 — Cato Institute
Based on the 2022 Survey of Income and Program Participation, 53.5 percent of all immigrant-headed households used at least one major welfare program, compared to 39 percent of U.S.-born-headed households.
Welfare Use by Immigrants and the U.S.-Born — Center for Immigration Studies
African refugees in the USA often encounter economic hardships including lower employment rates, lower incomes, and higher rates of welfare reliance upon arrival.
Financial Challenges and Capacity among African Refugees in the Southern USA: A Study of Their Economic Integration — PMC (PubMed Central)
Refugees from Somalia have among the lowest levels of formal education and most difficulties integrating of any US immigrant group.
Diverse Streams: African Migration to the United States — Foundation for Child Development
The majority of Somalis in Minnesota arrived as refugees fleeing the civil war in Somalia starting in the early 1990s, facilitated by the US refugee resettlement program.
Somali and Somali American Experiences in Minnesota — MNopedia (Minnesota Historical Society)
Immigration became Minnesota's leading driver of population growth from 2020-2024, accounting for 94% of net gains in population.
The economic contributions of New Americans in Minnesota — Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
The number of foreign-born residents in Minnesota grew from 428,000 in 2014 to 524,000 in 2024.
How many immigrants are in Minnesota? — USAFacts
Sub-Saharan African immigrants' households paid $10.1 billion in federal taxes and $4.7 billion in state and local taxes.
How Sub-Saharan Africans Contribute to the U.S. Economy — American Immigration Council
đź“° Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Confirms the freeze begins Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
- Publishes the full list of 75 affected countries in one place, including multiple with large Twin Cities diasporas (Somalia, Iran, Russia, Nigeria, Brazil, etc.).
- Clarifies that the suspension applies to immigrant visas only and explicitly exempts non‑immigrant tourist and business visas, which State says are expected to surge ahead of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
- Includes on‑the‑record State Department justification that the move is to prevent entry of people who would 'take welfare and public benefits,' explicitly branding it as ending 'abuse of America’s immigration system.'
- Adds that Somalia’s inclusion is linked, in administration messaging, to Minnesota’s high‑profile Feeding Our Future–adjacent benefit fraud scandals, explicitly tying the visa policy to a Minnesota case narrative.