US announces immigration process to be halted for Pakistan,74 other countries from January 21

WASHINGTON: The US has announced the suspension of processing of immigrant visas in Pakistan and 74 other countries from January 21 as it believes immigrants from these countries tend to rely heavily on public benefits programs.

"The State Department has stated that the freeze will stay in effect until it is able to determine that new immigrants will not rely on American Taxpayer resources,” explained Jon Feere, director of legal reform for the Immigration Reform Law Institute.”

The move has been described as part of “America First” policy by the administration.

“We are trying to ensure that the kindness of the people of America will not continue to be abused,” an official stated.

Spokesperson for the United States Department of State, Tommy Piggott, in an official statement explained, “The United States Department of State will make use of long-standing authority to find ineligible for immigration individuals who would constitute a public charge in the United States of America and take advantage of the kindness of American nationals."

“Immigration from these countries will be temporarily suspended while the State Department reviews and reassesses current immigration processing procedures to ensure that foreign nationals who would avail themselves of welfare benefits and public.”

 This move may impact travel, study, or employment plans for thousands of Pakistanis who require US visas every year. The Pakistani consulates in the US are likely to brief applicants in the coming days regarding this issue.