U.S. Halts Processing of Immigrant Visas for Citizens of Montenegro and 74 Other Countries

The decision is part of a broader tightening of immigration policy under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. In November last year, the State Department issued instructions to all consulates to apply the existing “public charge” rule more strictly – meaning that visas will be denied if it is determined that an applicant is likely to rely on public benefits (such as cash assistance, Medicaid, long-term health care, and similar programs).

Factors taken into consideration include age, health, English-language proficiency, financial status, history of benefit use, and related criteria.

Somalia has been singled out in particular due to a major scandal involving fraud in the use of social benefits in Minnesota, but the measure has been extended to a wide range of countries facing higher migration pressure or economic challenges.

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Peter Szijjarto: MOL Seeks Majority Ownership in NIS

Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic stated, following a meeting with Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, that they discussed negotiations between the Russian owners of NIS and MOL, as well as several other potential partners.

12:28Pre 68 d15.01.2026.

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Snow Falls at Hilandar for the First Time in Nearly 10 Years

Snow has fallen at the Hilandar Monastery, an exceptionally rare occurrence for the area, surprising the monastic brotherhood. The monks of Hilandar recall the last snowfall as having taken place just before Christmas in 2017.

16:46Pre 69 d14.01.2026.

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With regard to Montenegro, it is possible that the suspension is linked to a recently published list of citizens from countries in the region who receive social benefits in the United States. On that list, Montenegrin nationals rank near the top at around 38%, behind migrants originating from Kosovo and Albania.

It is important to emphasize that this measure concerns immigrant visas, which allow foreign nationals to settle permanently in a country.

A person granted an immigrant visa has the right to live, work, and remain in the United States long term, and may later apply for permanent residency or citizenship. Other types of visas – such as tourist, student, and fixed-term work visas – should continue to be issued under standard procedures, although processing times may be slower.

So far, there have been no major reactions to this decision by the U.S. administration. Neither the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica nor Montenegro’s official institutions have issued statements.

The only reactions recorded so far have come from civic activists and citizens on social media, who have sarcastically commented that this development shows Montenegro to be a “leader” in the region and on the very threshold of accession to the European Union. More significant reactions may follow once the decision is officially confirmed.

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