Dhaka, March 23 -- The US Embassy in Bangladesh has clarified that the recent pause on issuing immigrant visas for Bangladeshi nationals stems from concerns over the use of public welfare benefits in the United States.

In an official explanation on March 23 , the embassy said, the decision was taken to ensure that immigrants do not become a "public charge" or place a financial burden on American taxpayers. The move follows findings that a comparatively high number of Bangladeshi immigrants have relied on US government assistance programmes.

According to the embassy, the temporary suspension will allow the US Department of State to carry out a comprehensive review of its screening and vetting procedures.

"We owe it to American taxpayers...