Sri Lanka, Jan. 15 -- The Trump administration has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, marking one of its most expansive efforts yet to restrict legal pathways to the United States.

The freeze, which takes effect on 21 January, targets applicants officials deem likely to become a "public charge" - people who they believe may rely on government benefits for basic needs.

According to a Wednesday state department cable obtained by the Guardian, the sweeping list cuts across every major region of the world, spanning countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and eastern Europe.

According to the cable, exceptions include dual nationals with a valid passport for a country not on the l...