The United States has halted processing of immigrant visas for Kosovo and Albania, as part of a broader measure affecting a total of 75 countries.
The decision comes as part of a review of verification procedures, focusing on applicants whom US authorities consider at risk of becoming a burden on social welfare systems, according to Fox News.
A State Department memorandum instructs consular officers to deny visa applications under existing law until the full review of the verification process is completed. The suspension begins January 21, 2026, and will remain in effect indefinitely.
The measure is based on the so-called “public charge” provision of US immigration law, which allows authorities to deny visas to applicants who are likely to rely on public benefits. Factors considered include health, age, English proficiency, financial situation, and potential need for long-term medical care.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott stated that the US will use its legal authority to prevent the entry of immigrants who might exploit social welfare programs:
“Immigration from these 75 countries will be suspended while the State Department reviews immigration processing procedures to prevent foreign nationals who would rely on public assistance from entering,” he said.
Exceptions to the suspension will be very limited and allowed only after applicants pass the “public charge” assessment.
Kosovo and Albania are among the countries affected, alongside nations from the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The decision is expected to have a direct impact on Kosovars and Albanians seeking to migrate to the US through immigrant visas.
Full List of Affected Countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Myanmar, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
