US freezes immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public-charge concerns

The Trump administration has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries—effective January 21—citing concerns that many would become public charges; officials say the freeze will stay until new immigrants won’t rely on government benefits and will not ‘extract wealth’ from Americans. The move is part of a broader wave of immigration restrictions, with officials noting visa revocations and deportations, while researchers warn of wide-reaching, chilling effects on families and future immigration prospects.