America canceled immigrant visas for half of the Balkans

Apart from the Balkan countries, the list of 75 countries from Europe also includes Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Georgia. Among the affected countries in Africa, according to Fox, are Congo, Sudan, Algeria and Somalia, and from Asia are Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen.

The reason for this decision is to reduce the number of immigrants who could become dependent on public assistance in the USA. The US State Department will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of those countries until a review of existing procedures for evaluating immigrant applications is carried out.

The decision refers only to immigrant visas, i.e. visas that enable permanent residence in the United States, such as permanent residence visas (green cards) and other visas issued to those who wish to move to the USA. This decision does not affect the issuance of tourist visas, study visas or other types of visas for temporary residence, such as those enabling travel, study or business travel.

This move by the State Department comes after President Donald Trump’s decision to expand and modify restrictions on the entry of foreigners from countries that pose a threat to national security or public safety.