The suspension, which will begin Jan. 21, will not apply to applicants seeking non-immigrant visas, or temporary tourist or business visas, who make up the vast majority of visa seekers. Demand for non-immigrant visas is expected to rise dramatically in the coming months and years due to the upcoming 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics both of which the U.S. will host or co-host.
The suspension comes after the State Department last year directed increased scrutiny under the public charge provision of immigration law meant to target those who the Trump administration believes will become a strain on public resources. The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement Wednesday.