US Suspends Immigrant Visas for 75 Selected Nations

WASHINGTON, United States

In a sweeping move that will reshape legal immigration to the United States, the U.S. government has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. The decision, announced by the State Department on Wednesday, reflects a major tightening of visa policy under the Trump administration and aims to bar applicants deemed likely to rely on U.S. public assistance.

Under the new directive, consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad will pause immigrant visa approvals for nationals of the listed countries while the government reassesses screening and vetting procedures. Officials say the shift is rooted in long‑standing immigration law and seeks to prevent the entry of individuals whom authorities judge could become a “public charge” by depending on welfare and government services once in the United States.

The suspension affects a broad and diverse range of nations spanning Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and parts of Eastern Europe. Among the countries included are Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, and Thailand. Nationals from these countries who apply for immigrant visas including family‑based, employment‑based, and diversity visas will see their applications refused or put on indefinite hold.

Officials said the policy will remain in place “indefinitely” while authorities reshape screening measures and vetting standards, and no timeline was provided for when immigrant visa processing might resume. The White House has framed the move as part of a broader “America First” immigration strategy, emphasizing tighter controls and more stringent requirements for those seeking permanent residence in the United States.

Importantly, non‑immigrant visas including short‑term visitor, business, and student visas are not affected by the current suspension. Travelers planning temporary trips to the U.S., such as for tourism or academic study, will still be able to apply for and receive these categories of visas, though screening may become more rigorous in some cases.

The announcement has already sparked strong reaction from immigration advocates and legal experts, who say the policy could affect hundreds of thousands of lawful applicants and families hoping to reunite in the United States. Some analysts estimate that the suspension could halt processing for more than 300,000 immigrant visa cases over the course of the coming year. Critics warn that this could leave families separated and lawful permanent residence pathways significantly disrupted.

Supporters of the administration’s approach argue that the policy strengthens the U.S. immigration system and ensures that resources are reserved for those who can sustain themselves without government support. They say the move reflects a legal framework that has long allowed such scrutiny, though the scope and scale of this suspension are unprecedented.

Among the nations affected are several longstanding allies and stable states, including Brazil and Jamaica, a fact that has drawn international attention and prompted questions about diplomatic fallout. Officials have not yet clarified whether any exceptions will be made for cases deemed in the national interest.

For individuals already holding approved immigrant visas prior to January 21, the impact varies depending on timing and status, with some cases potentially subject to re‑review under the administration’s updated procedures. Dual‑national applicants and those with pending benefits may also face additional uncertainty depending on how their cases are handled under the new directive.

The comprehensive list of the 75 countries illustrates how wide‑ranging the suspension will be, affecting nations across all continents and reflecting a significant moment in U.S. immigration policy. As the implementation date approaches this month, both applicants and officials are preparing for a dramatic shift in how immigrant visas will be processed and adjudicated under the current administration’s framework. 

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