Brazil joins US visa denial list of 75 countries

The United States will suspend, starting January 21, the issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries, including Brazil. The measure was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday (Jan. 14) by the US State Department. Tourist visas will continue to be issued.

Besides Brazil, the list includes several other countries, such as Russia, Iran, Iraq, Colombia, Uruguay, Cuba, Haiti, and Yemen.

According to the statement, the measure stems from a “comprehensive review” of US policies, regulations, and guidelines being conducted “to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize US social welfare programs or become a public burden.”

The statement notes that President Donald Trump “has made it clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not represent a financial burden to Americans.”