U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Issuance for 75 Nations Amid Comprehensive "Public Charge" Policy Review

Effective Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the United States Department of State has implemented a temporary moratorium on the issuance of new immigrant visas for citizens of 75 nations, including Brazil. This significant policy shift, which was first announced on January 14, 2026, represents a broader effort to tighten migration controls. The suspension is part of a comprehensive re-evaluation of the "public charge" rule, a legal standard used to determine whether an individual is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence.

This administrative freeze specifically targets immigrant visas intended for those seeking permanent residency or long-term employment within the United States. The White House justified the measure by citing a directive from President Donald Trump, which emphasizes the necessity for immigrants to maintain financial self-sufficiency. Under this mandate, the administration aims to ensure that newcomers do not become a financial liability for American taxpayers. Consequently, a presumption has been established that citizens from the 75 listed countries are at risk of becoming a burden on public resources, as outlined in Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

While the actual issuance of visas is currently on hold, the administrative machinery remains in motion. Citizens from the affected countries may still submit applications and attend interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates; however, no visas will be granted until the current order is rescinded. It is crucial to distinguish that this moratorium does not apply to non-immigrant categories. Travelers seeking tourist (B1/B2), business (B1), student (F1/M1), or exchange (J1) visas will see their applications processed under standard protocols. Furthermore, individuals who already possess valid immigrant visas retain their right to enter the country, provided they receive clearance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the port of entry. Dual nationals are also exempt if they present a valid passport from a country not included in the restricted list.

The potential impact of this policy is substantial, according to research conducted by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP). Their analysis suggests that the Trump administration's approach could lead to a 33% to 50% reduction in legal immigration over a four-year term, representing a decrease of approximately 1.5 to 2.4 million people. Critics of the measure have been vocal, pointing out that nearly half of all family-sponsored and employment-based green cards issued last year were granted to citizens of the now-restricted countries. Opponents argue that the administration has failed to provide empirical data to support the "public charge" claims and fear that the new rules will empower consular and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers to make highly subjective decisions regarding an applicant's future financial independence.

In a separate but concurrent development on January 21, 2026, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a Provisional Measure (MP) aimed at adjusting the national minimum wage for educators. This legislative action raises the base salary for public school teachers from R$ 4,867.77 to R$ 5,130.63. This 5.4% increase is designed to outpace the 2025 INPC inflation rate of 3.9%, resulting in a real gain of 1.5% for teaching professionals. This adjustment follows the implementation of Brazil's general minimum wage of R$ 1,621 on January 1, 2026, a figure that President Lula has previously criticized as being "very low" in the current economic climate.