00:00The United States is moving to suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens from 75 countries
00:07as the Trump administration widened its immigration crackdown.
00:11The list includes nations where visas were already tightly restricted like Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Somalia,
00:19as well as countries where the move comes as a surprise, including Brazil, Egypt and Thailand.
00:24A State Department cable reviewed by Reuters said U.S. officials are reviewing visa rules to ensure strict screening.
00:33It also noted that some nationals from these countries have relied on U.S. welfare or other public benefits after arriving,
00:40a key factor in the administration's decision.
00:43The suspension, which takes effect January 21st, does not apply to temporary tourist or business visas,
00:49which make up the vast majority of visa applications.
00:52Demand for those visas is expected to rise in the coming years,
00:56with the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics set to be hosted or co-hosted by the U.S.
01:02This move builds on earlier immigration and travel restrictions
01:05and is part of President Trump's wider push to tighten entry standards for foreigners.
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