US Suspends Immigrant Visas from 75 Countries
The Trump administration announced it will indefinitely suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. Officials say the policy targets individuals who might require government support after arriving in the U.S., aiming to limit certain types of legal immigration.
The decision affects applicants across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, marking one of the broadest changes to immigration policy under the current administration.
Exceptions and Scope
The suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas such as tourist or business travel, which will continue as usual. However, immigrant visa applicants from the affected nations face delays or a complete freeze on permanent residency plans.
The State Department clarified limited exceptions: dual nationals holding a valid passport from a non-listed country, or applicants who can prove their travel serves an “America First” national interest. Any visa approved but not yet printed must now be refused.
Policy Background
The new suspension stems from the expanded use of the “public charge” rule, which allows officials to deny visas to applicants they believe may become dependent on government welfare programs. Consular officers evaluate applicants based on age, health, English proficiency, finances, and potential future medical needs.
Criticism and Support
Critics argue the policy unfairly targets entire populations instead of individual merit. They warn it could separate families, disrupt work and relocation plans, and harm U.S. economic interests, noting immigrants historically contribute to labor markets and entrepreneurship.
Supporters defend the suspension, saying it ensures new immigrants are financially self-sufficient and reduces potential reliance on public welfare. They argue it gives consular officers broader discretion to evaluate applicants based on merit.
Preparing for Implementation
As January 21 approaches, U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide are preparing to implement the suspension and inform affected applicants and their families.
Full List of 75 Affected Countries
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Myanmar, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
This list spans continents and includes countries with diverse political, economic, and security conditions. The suspension will apply unless applicants meet one of the limited exceptions outlined by the State Department.
