The official account of the US State Department in Portuguese defended this Thursday (15), through a publication on the social network X, the suspension of immigrant visas for Brazil and 74 other countries.
In the note, the embassy profile stated that the review of all policies and guidelines is being done to ensure that immigrants from these “high risk” countries do not use benefits from social assistance programs in the US or become a “public charge”.
In a previous publication, the government’s official Portuguese account recalled that the State Department revoked more than 100,000 visas, including around 8,000 student visas and 2,500 special visas for individuals who had “problems with the law in the US for criminal activities.”
“We will continue to deport these criminals to keep the US safe,” he highlighted in the note.
The ministry led by Secretary Marco Rubio announced this Wednesday (14) the interruption of the immigrant visa application process for citizens of 75 countries, including Brazil.
The suspension is scheduled to take effect on January 21stnext Wednesday, and will not be applied to candidates 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.
Visa Processing – The @StateDept is reviewing all policies and guidelines to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize benefits from U.S. welfare programs or become a public charge. https://t.co/yQsdhMv35x
— USA in Portuguese (@USAemPortugues) January 15, 2026
In addition to Brazil, other countries affected by the measure are Russia, Iran, Cuba, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Colombia (see full list here).
The announcement is the latest step in President Donald Trump’s new immigration policy, as he faces domestic challenges with his crackdown on illegal immigration in Democratic cities.
