On January 14, the U.S. State Department announced that it will freeze immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, citing efforts to tighten screening for applicants it believes may become a “public charge”. Public charge means individuals deemed likely to rely on U.S. public benefits after entering the country.
The directive instructs U.S. embassies and consulates to pause immigrant visa adjudications starting January 21, while the department reassesses its vetting procedures under existing immigration law, according to an internal memo first reported by Fox News Digital.
Importantly, the State Department said the suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as temporary tourist and business visas, which make up the majority of U.S. visa applications worldwide.
Following the announcement, confusion spread across Monrovia about which visa categories are actually affected by th e U.S. decision.
In this explainer, we break down the specific visa types covered under the restriction and those that are not.
What is a US Visa?
A U.S. visa is an official authorization placed in a foreign traveler’s passport that allows them to request entry into the United States for a specific purpose and time period.
How Does a Person Use a Visa to Enter the United States?
When a foreign traveler obtains a U.S. visa, he/she is allowed to travel to a port of entry, airport, or land border crossing, and request permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector to enter the United States.
According to the US State Department, while having a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States, it does indicate that a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad has determined you are eligible to seek entry for that specific purpose.
DHS/CBP inspectors, who are guardians of the nation’s borders, are responsible for the admission of travelers to the United States for a specified status and period of time.
What Are the Types of U.S. Visas?
There are two main categories of U.S. visas:
Nonimmigrant visas (B-2 or combined B1/B2) – For travel to the United States temporarily. These visas are given to foreign nationals traveling to the United States for pleasure or tourism, including a short visit for vacation, visiting family and friends, or for medical treatment.
Immigrant visas – For travel to live permanently in the United States. The United States provides this type of visa based on family ties, employment, adoption, special immigrant categories, and the diversity visa.
The US State Department notes that the type of visa to be obtained by a foreign traveler is defined by U.S. immigration law and relates to the purpose of the travel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ban only affects immigrant visas and not Non-immigrant visas (like tourist or student visas). Immigrant visa seekers from these 75 countries may face indefinite delays or denials.
Non-immigrant visitors and temporary workers/students are still eligible to apply and enter if approved.
