Dhaka, Jan. 15 -- The United States has announced it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries including Bangladesh from January 21, citing concerns that applicants may rely on public assistance after entering the country.

The US State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said on Wednesday that consular offices have been instructed to halt immigrant visa processing for nationals of the affected countries under an order tightening scrutiny of applicants who could become "public charges" in the United States.

The move follows broader immigration restrictions introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump and expands earlier travel and visa limitations imposed on nearly 40 countri...