House Democrats Urge Reversal of State Department’s Visa Processing Pause
TL/DR –
A group of 75 House Democrats, including New York Reps. Ritchie Torres and Yvette Clarke, is seeking to reverse the State Department’s pause on processing immigrant visas for 75 nations. The suspension, which affects nearly 40% of all countries, has been described by the congress members as harmful, outdated, and regressive. The Trump administration has defended the visa halt, arguing that immigrants from those countries are more likely to depend on government assistance.
A group of 75 House Democrats urge the reversal of the State Department’s immigrant visa processing pause for 75 countries
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio received a letter expressing this request.
Key Points
- House Democrats protest against the State Department’s immigrant visa processing pause for 75 countries
- Affecting nearly 40% of all nations, the visa pause started last week
- Letter co-authored by NY Reps. Ritchie Torres and Yvette Clarke criticizes the policy as harmful and outdated.
The visa pause, impacts nearly 40% of all countries, according to the letter, as it claims the policy does more harm than good.
Torres argues the policy could halve legal immigration over the coming year, attributing this intention to Trump administration
He adds this visa pause primarily targets immigrants from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, inferring discriminatory motives.
The letter requests a policy cost-benefit analysis submitted to Congress by Feb. 20.
Trump administration defends the policy, alleging immigrants from affected countries are more likely to become dependent on public assistance.
The letter questions the necessity for a blanket pause, suggesting the departments already have the ability to determine individual applicant risk.
Torres accuses the administration of discrimination if it fails to justify the policy.
He questions the logic that allows white immigrants from South Africa but prohibits legal immigration from Africa, Latin America, Caribbean and calls out the administration on perceived discrimination.
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