As of this Wednesday (21), the USA is suspending the issuance of visas to immigrants from Brazil and 74 other countries, considered by the American State Department as “high risk” candidates due to the history of use of social benefits in the country.
The ministry’s Portuguese spokesperson, Amanda Roberson, informed the BBC that there is no expectation of a review of Brazil’s inclusion in the group of countries affected by the measure, nor is there any provision for exceptions to the rule, not even for applicants who prove that they have sufficient financial resources to remain in the USA.
Roberson reminded the Portuguese version of the British broadcaster that Brazil and 74 other countries were identified due to the high risks of people using public benefits in American territory.
“It’s not a decision specifically about Brazil, it’s something that is affecting 74 other countries in the world,” he said, adding that he does not have details about all the reasons that led to Brazil’s inclusion in the list.
The State Department announced on January 14 the suspension of processing immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Brazil. The ministry justified the measure, arguing that candidates for documentation from listed nations are “likely to need public assistance” while residing in the US and this translates into expenses for federal coffers.
For now, the measure only affects immigrant visa candidates. It does not apply to applicants applying for non-immigrant visas, temporary tourist visas or business visas. Therefore, this announcement does not interfere with trips to the World Cup, for example.
In addition to Brazil, two other South American countries are on the list: Colombia and Uruguay (see full list of countries here).
