The United States has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, marking a significant escalation in its immigration policies. The move, confirmed by a State Department spokesperson, is part of an ongoing crackdown under the Trump administration, aimed at reducing the number of immigrants entering the country.
According to Reuters, the suspension will affect applicants from a wide range of countries, including Latin American nations such as Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay; Balkan states like Bosnia and Albania; South Asian countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh; as well as many nations across Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. The pause in processing is set to begin on January 21, 2026.
CNN reports that the suspension specifically targets immigrant visas, including those for employment or family reunification. However, it does not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as student or tourist visas. As such, individuals planning to attend events like the World Cup in the U.S. this summer will not be affected by the suspension.
Al Jazeera further clarified that the U.S. State Department indicated the decision was driven by concerns over migrants from these countries who are perceived to be accessing welfare programs at rates deemed “unacceptable” by the American government. The department stated that the freeze would remain in place until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not impose a financial burden on American taxpayers.
Fox News Digital reports that the list of countries affected by the visa suspension includes Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Syria, Yemen, Thailand, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and several others.
Tajikistan is not included in the list published by Fox News. However, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe previously announced that the suspension of the Green Card lottery also includes a halt to the issuance of immigrant visas. Despite this, applicants can still submit their documents and attend interviews.
This move is expected to further tighten the Trump administration’s stance on immigration, which has been a central theme throughout his presidency.
