The American State Department, led by Secretary Marco Rubio, is suspending the granting of visas to Brazil and 74 other countries, according to information from Fox News. It is not yet clear whether tourist visas will be affected by the measure.
According to details of a memo consulted by the American broadcaster this Wednesday (14), the department instructed its consular officials to refuse to process the document in accordance with current legislation, while the department reevaluates the screening and verification procedures.
In addition to Brazil, other nations affected by the measure are Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand and Yemen. According to Fox Digitalthe suspension will begin on January 21 and will continue indefinitely until the department conducts a reassessment of visa processing.
In November, the State Department sent a cable to consulates around the world instructing officials to enforce sweeping new screening rules under the so-called “public charge” provision of immigration law.
Among the guidelines transmitted to the posts was that of denying visas to candidates who are likely to become public expenditure in the USA. American officials were instructed to consider a wide range of factors, including health, age, English proficiency, financial situation and even the possible need for long-term medical care in the country.
Rubio-led spokesman Tommy Piggott said in a statement released by Fox that “the State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a burden to the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.”
Itamaraty was contacted, but did not comment on the matter until the publication of the report.
