Fiji immigrants flagged as ‘elevated risk’ for US public benefits

The United States State Department has suspended immigrant visa processing for Fiji, citing what it described as an “elevated risk” of migrants from the country relying on public benefits in the United States.

In response to queries from the Fiji Sun, a United States Embassy spokesperson said the decision was taken “based on indications that immigrants from these countries have an elevated risk of receiving public benefits in the United States”.

The suspension, which takes effect on January 21, affects 75 countries worldwide, with Fiji the only Pacific Island nation included.

In practical terms, the move reflects US concerns that Fijian immigrant visa applicants may be more likely than others to rely on welfare programmes or government assistance after settling in the United States.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the pause would remain in place “until we can ensure that new immigrants have been vetted to the maximum degree to ensure their eligibility for a US visa, including that they will not use public assistance”.

The State Department said it was reviewing immigration policies to ensure applicants from what it described as “high-risk countries” were unlikely to rely on public benefits.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka earlier said Fiji had “brought it upon ourselves”, citing high numbers of Fijians overstaying visitor visas and living illegally in the United States.

The suspension applies only to immigrant visas for permanent residency and does not affect tourist or temporary work visas.

The Trump administration said the measure was intended to protect public benefits for American citizens by ensuring immigrants were financially self-sufficient.