US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for Citizens of 75 Countries in Major Immigration Crackdown
The United States has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. This decision, revealed by the State Department, marks one of the broadest restrictions on legal pathways to permanent residency in recent years.
The policy takes effect on January 21, 2026. It applies exclusively to immigrant visas, which allow individuals to relocate permanently to the US and seek green cards or citizenship. The suspension does not impact non-immigrant visas, including those for tourists, business travelers, students, or short-term visitors. Nationals from the affected countries can still submit applications, but no approvals or issuances will occur during the pause. Dual nationals may qualify for an exception if they apply using a passport from a non-affected country.
The administration justifies the measure as a step to prevent abuse of the US immigration system and protect public resources. Officials state that immigrants from these countries are considered at high risk of becoming a public charge, meaning they may rely on government welfare benefits or public assistance programs. The freeze will continue until the State Department completes a reassessment of immigration procedures to ensure new arrivals do not place strain on American taxpayers or extract wealth from the public.
The 75 affected countries span multiple regions, including Latin America and the Caribbean, the Balkans, South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Examples of impacted nations include Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
This action builds on earlier immigration restrictions implemented since President Donald Trump's return to office. These include expanded travel bans covering multiple countries, the lowest refugee admissions cap in US history set at 7,500 for fiscal year 2026, increased scrutiny under public charge rules, pauses on asylum processing, higher fees for certain work visas, and large-scale deportations that contributed to net negative immigration in 2025.
The suspension raises concerns about its effects on families seeking reunification, legal migration pathways, and the US's role in global mobility. It comes amid preparations for major international events hosted by the US, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted with Canada and Mexico. The administration emphasizes that temporary visitor visas remain available, though enhanced screening measures may apply.
This policy reflects the administration's continued focus on prioritizing national security, economic protection, and integration challenges for newcomers. No timeline has been provided for when or how the suspension might be lifted.