Kenya has been spared from a list that the US State Department said was pausing immigrant visa processing.
A State Department announced the move to refuse visas to 75 countries deemed likely to become a public charge from entering the United States, aiming to end “the abuse of America’s immigration system.”.
In a memo it directed consular officers to apply existing law while the department reassesses screening and vetting procedures.
The countries include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen and more
This is likely to put pressure on the countries as those seeking to travel to the US will try all means possible to get the needed documents.
“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people. The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people. Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits”, State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said in a statement.
The pause will begin January 21, 2026 and will continue indefinitely until the US conducts a reassessment. It will continue indefinitely until the department conducts a reassessment of immigrant visa processing.
In the East African region; only Kenya and Burundi have been exempted. Kenya is seen a key regional ally for US.