By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
United States, 15 January 2026 - Kenya and Burundi have been left off a sweeping United States decision to halt immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a move that has sent shockwaves across Africa and beyond.
Under the new directive announced by the U.S. State Department, immigrant visa processing will be paused from 21 January 2026, for an indefinite period as Washington reassesses its screening and vetting procedures.
The decision is part of a renewed immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump, aimed at limiting entry by applicants considered likely to rely on public assistance.
In East Africa, the exemption of Kenya and Burundi stands out sharply.
Neighbouring countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Somalia and South Sudan are among those affected, raising concerns about increased pressure on Kenyan missions as applicants seek alternative pathways.
The State Department said consular officers worldwide have been instructed to refuse visas under existing law while the review is ongoing. The policy targets what U.S. officials describe as “public charge” risks — applicants deemed likely to depend on welfare or other government support once admitted.
“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,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said.
“Immigration 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.” He added.
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The list of affected countries spans Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America, and includes Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti, Brazil, Russia and Yemen, among others.
Washington has pointed to varied reasons for the move, including past fraud cases and welfare abuse concerns. Somalia, for instance, has faced heightened scrutiny following a major fraud scandal in Minnesota involving misuse of taxpayer-funded benefit programmes, with many suspects linked to the Somali community.
The decision builds on guidance issued to U.S. embassies in November 2025, directing officers to apply stricter screening under the “public charge” provision of immigration law. Factors to be considered include age, health, finances, English proficiency and potential need for long-term medical care. Applicants with a history of cash assistance or institutional care could also be denied.
While the “public charge” rule has existed for decades, its enforcement has shifted across administrations. A broader interpretation introduced in 2019 under President Trump was later rolled back by the Biden administration in 2022, which narrowed the benefits considered. The latest move signals a return to tougher standards.
Uganda, now among 26 African countries on the list, has been directly affected by the suspension. The State Department said the freeze would not apply to non-immigrant visas such as tourist and business travel, though officers have been instructed to intensify screening even in those categories.
“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the misuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” the State Department said in a statement.
For Kenya, widely viewed as a key U.S. ally in the region, the exemption underscores its strategic standing. However, analysts warn that the decision could still have indirect effects, as increased demand and scrutiny ripple across the region.
