The US State Department is temporarily pausing the processing of new immigrant visas for 75 countries, including several Caribbean nations such as Jamaica, as it tightens screening to prevent applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge.”
The pause, which takes effect January 21, will continue indefinitely while vetting procedures are reassessed.
Consular officers have been instructed to deny visas based on factors including age, health, financial status, English proficiency, prior receipt of government assistance, and potential long-term medical needs.
A public charge refers to individuals likely to rely primarily on US government assistance.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the policy aims to prevent exploitation of US public resources.
Affected Caribbean countries also include Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
It is unclear whether the pause will also affect non-immigration visas such as for tourism or business.
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