"Guatemala's President Fernando Arevalo said on Wednesday that the United States had not provided the state prior notice or information before its indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for Guatemalan citizens. "We have not received any official notification," Arevalo stated during a press conference. "We have the same information as you. The only thing we know is that they are indeed for residency visas. [...] So, in any case, go to the American embassy so they can address that." Arevalo clarified that the US directive stems from "internal issues regarding access to social security benefits," emphasising that the suspension is a domestic policy shift rather than a result of diplomatic tensions. "It has nothing to do with external or international issues, but as I tell you, they will be able to provide better information at the United States Embassy," he noted. The US State Department announced on Wednesday an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries - including Guatemala - citing a reassessment of its 'public charge' screening protocols. In a post on X, the department said migrants from the affected countries "benefit from social assistance from the American people at unacceptable rates," adding that the pause will remain in place until the US "can ensure that new immigrants do not benefit from the wealth of the American people", The suspension is set to take effect on January 21. Countries affected include Iran, Russia, Georgia, Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, Kuwait and Thailand."