US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries

The United States government has announced a sweeping suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, marking one of the most significant immigration policy shifts in recent years. The new measure, set to take effect on January 21, 2026, pauses the processing of visas for people seeking permanent residency in the US while federal authorities reassess screening and eligibility standards.

The decision reflects the Trump administration’s broader effort to tighten immigration controls, reduce long-term dependency on public benefits, and reshape how the United States evaluates applicants for permanent settlement. Officials say the suspension will remain in place indefinitely while the US State Department conducts a comprehensive review of immigrant visa vetting procedures.

The announcement has sparked global attention, with affected countries spanning Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. While the full list of nations has not yet been officially released, several countries have been confirmed through government sources and media reporting.

What the Immigrant Visa Suspension Means

The suspension applies only to immigrant visas, which are issued to individuals seeking lawful permanent residence (green cards) in the United States. These visas typically cover family reunification, employment-based immigration, and other long-term settlement categories.

Importantly, non-immigrant visas are not included in the suspension. This means that temporary visas such as tourist, business, student, and work visas remain available, although applicants may face enhanced scrutiny.

According to US officials, the pause allows authorities to reassess whether current screening mechanisms adequately identify applicants who may become dependent on public assistance after arriving in the United States.

Legal Basis: Public Charge Rule

The policy is grounded in long-standing US immigration law, which permits consular officers to deny immigrant visas if applicants are deemed likely to become a “public charge” meaning someone who depends on government-funded welfare or assistance programmes.

While the public charge rule has existed for decades, the current administration is applying it more broadly by instituting a blanket pause for entire countries while vetting standards are reviewed.

Officials argue that this approach ensures consistency, prevents gaps in screening, and protects US taxpayers from increased welfare burdens.

Countries Affected by the Suspension

Although the complete list of 75 countries has not yet been officially published, several nations have already been confirmed through official briefings and diplomatic sources. These include:

• Somalia

• Russia

• Iran

• Afghanistan

• Brazil

• Egypt

• Nigeria

• Thailand

The affected countries represent a diverse range of regions and include both developing nations and major global economies. Some are long-standing US security partners, while others have historically high migration flows to the United States.

The broad geographic scope of the suspension underscores the scale of the policy shift.

Timeline and Duration

The immigrant visa suspension is scheduled to begin on January 21, 2026. At present, there is no fixed end date.

US officials have said the pause will remain in effect until the State Department completes its reassessment of visa screening and eligibility standards. This process could take months or longer, depending on administrative and policy developments.

Applicants who have already submitted immigrant visa applications may face delays, refusals, or indefinite processing holds depending on their nationality and case status.

Who Is Not Affected by the Policy

The suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas, including:

• Tourist visas (B-2)

• Business visas (B-1)

• Student visas (F-1, J-1)

• Temporary work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.)

However, immigration lawyers note that even these visa categories may face stricter financial and background scrutiny as part of the administration’s broader policy direction.

In addition, certain limited exemptions may apply, including:

• Individuals deemed to serve US national interests

• Specific diplomatic or humanitarian cases

• Exceptional circumstances approved by senior authorities

Policy Context: Trump Administration Immigration Agenda

The suspension aligns with the Trump administration’s long-standing immigration platform, which prioritises stricter enforcement, reduced legal immigration levels, and tighter eligibility requirements.

Since returning to office in January 2025, the administration has introduced or expanded several measures, including:

• Expanded travel restrictions on certain countries

• Stricter enforcement of public charge determinations

• Suspension or reform of diversity visa programmes

• Increased deportation and interior enforcement activity

• Enhanced vetting standards at US embassies and consulates

Administration officials argue that these steps protect American workers, safeguard public resources, and strengthen national security.

Economic and Workforce Considerations

Supporters of the policy say it will help preserve economic opportunities for US citizens and reduce pressure on public services such as healthcare, housing, and social assistance.

However, critics warn that prolonged suspension of immigrant visas could:

• Disrupt family reunification processes

• Limit access to skilled workers in key industries

• Reduce international student-to-worker pathways

• Impact sectors reliant on foreign talent and labour

Some economists caution that reduced immigration could contribute to labour shortages in healthcare, technology, agriculture, and education over time.

Humanitarian and Diplomatic Reactions

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions globally. Immigration advocates and human rights organisations argue that the policy may disproportionately affect applicants from developing nations and conflict-affected regions.

Concerns raised include:

• Delays in family reunification

• Increased uncertainty for approved applicants

• Potential strain on US diplomatic relations

• Perceived discrimination based on nationality

Some foreign governments have requested clarification from US authorities, while others are assessing how the suspension may affect bilateral relations and mobility agreements.

Impact on Families and Applicants

For individuals and families seeking permanent residency, the suspension creates significant uncertainty. Thousands of applicants may face prolonged delays or refusals despite meeting existing eligibility criteria.

Immigration attorneys advise affected applicants to:

• Monitor official US State Department updates

• Avoid travel plans based on pending immigrant visas

• Seek legal guidance on alternative visa pathways

• Prepare documentation proving financial self-sufficiency

International Implications

The policy shift highlights how immigration policy is increasingly intersecting with foreign policy and domestic economic priorities. Analysts suggest the move may influence how other countries approach migration, reciprocity agreements, and talent mobility.

Some observers also view the suspension as part of broader geopolitical signalling, where migration controls reinforce national sovereignty and domestic political messaging.

What Happens Next

In the coming months, attention will focus on:

• Whether the US publishes the full list of affected countries

• How long the reassessment process takes

• Whether exemptions or revisions are introduced

• Legal challenges that may arise domestically

Congressional oversight and court rulings could also influence the implementation or scope of the policy.

Conclusion

The United States’ decision to suspend immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries represents a major shift in immigration policy aimed at tightening screening and reducing reliance on public benefits. Beginning January 21, 2026, the pause affects only immigrant visas while leaving temporary travel categories intact.

As the policy unfolds, its economic, humanitarian, and diplomatic implications are likely to remain the subject of intense debate. For now, thousands of prospective immigrants face uncertainty as US authorities reassess how permanent residency is granted in an increasingly restrictive immigration environment.