The United States announced a suspension of immigration visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, in a new move by the Trump administration to tighten entry controls.

White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt confirmed that applications will be frozen, citing a State Department memo instructing consulates to temporarily deny submissions pending an overhaul of screening procedures.

The list includes Arab, African, and Asian nations—among them Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, Iran, Nigeria, and Brazil.

The decision takes effect on January 21, with no stated end date, drawing widespread criticism from rights organizations and calls for reversal.