The spokesperson did not share detailed reasons behind the decision. The plan was first reported by Fox News, which cited an internal State Department memo. The move is expected to affect thousands of people seeking US visas.

According to the report, the pause in visa processing will begin on January 21. However, officials did not give any timeline for when visa services might resume.

Countries listed as affected include Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, and Thailand. The full list reportedly includes 75 nations.

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The memo directs US embassies to refuse visa applications under existing laws while the State Department reassesses its visa procedures. No deadline has been set for this review.

This reported pause comes as part of a wider immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump. Since taking office last January, his administration has pushed for stricter immigration controls.

In November, Trump had said he would "permanently pause" migration from all "Third World Countries". His remarks followed a shooting near the White House by an Afghan national who killed a National Guard member.