The United States is freezing all visa applications for 75 countries, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, Fox News reports.
The State Department is suspending the issuance of immigrant visas for these countries to prevent the number of applicants who could become a public burden. These countries include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, Azerbaijan, etc.
The restrictions will take effect on January 21 and remain in place indefinitely until the department reviews the process for issuing immigrant visas.
The immigrant visa category is intended for permanent residence. This means that consulates will continue to process tourist and student visas without interruption.