US temporarily suspends processing of visa applications from Bosnia and Herzegovina

(Patria) - The US Department of State will temporarily suspend the processing of immigrant visas for a total of 75 countries, including BiH, starting January 21, while procedures are reviewed to assess whether applicants could become a "public charge" in the US, writes Politicki.ba.

According to a statement from the State Department, the temporary pause will be in effect indefinitely while consular officers review and tighten application screening criteria.

Among the affected countries are Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen.

This move comes amid increased scrutiny of Somali nationals, following a fraud scandal in Minnesota involving taxpayer-funded public benefit programs. Many involved in that case were Somalis or of Somali descent.

In November 2025, the State Department issued guidance to consular posts worldwide, directing stricter enforcement of a long-standing "public charge" provision.

The rules allow for visa denials based on factors such as age, health, English language proficiency, financial status, and potential need for long-term social support.

"The Department of State will use its long-standing authorities to deny visas to potential immigrants who would become a public charge in the US and exploit the generosity of the American people.

Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused until the State Department reviews visa processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would utilize social and public benefits," State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott told Fox News.

The complete list of affected countries includes the following: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

The decision does not include the processing of tourist visas.