By Zoila Palma: The U.S. State Department has announced a pause on immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Belize, as part of a broader effort to tighten enforcement of immigration laws related to the “public charge” provision.
The pause, set to begin on Jan. 21, will remain in effect indefinitely while the department reassesses its screening and vetting procedures for immigrant visa applicants, Fox News reports.
According to a State Department memo first reported by Fox News Digital, consular officers have been directed to refuse visas under existing law for applicants deemed likely to become a public charge, or dependent on government assistance.
The updated guidance instructs consular officers to weigh a broad range of factors when determining eligibility, including an applicant’s age, health, financial status, English proficiency, and potential need for long-term medical care.
Applicants with a history of relying on government cash assistance or institutional care could also face denial.
While the public charge provision has existed for decades, its enforcement has varied across administrations.
The Biden administration previously narrowed the rule’s scope, while President Donald Trump expanded it in 2019 to include a wider range of public benefits.
Under the current pause, exceptions will be limited and granted only after applicants clear public charge considerations.
The affected countries span Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
The post US State Dept pauses Visa processing for 75 countries, including Belize appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The U.S. State Department has announced a pause on immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Belize, as part of a broader effort to tighten enforcement of immigration laws related to the “public charge” provision. The pause, set to begin on Jan. 21, will remain in effect indefinitely while the department reassesses
The post US State Dept pauses Visa processing for 75 countries, including Belize appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.