In a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, the Trump administration has announced it will suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries starting January 21, 2026.
The move, which is expected to have wide-reaching implications, targets those who may need government support upon their arrival in the United States.
This policy change marks one of the most sweeping alterations to U.S. immigration practices under the current administration.
Why Is the U.S. Suspending Immigrant Visa Processing?
The suspension of immigrant visa processing is aimed at reducing legal immigration by restricting entry for individuals from countries deemed likely to rely on public assistance.
According to U.S. officials, the suspension is an effort to limit the number of immigrants who may need government support in the future.
The decision will affect applicants from a broad range of regions, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
However, it is important to note that the suspension does not extend to non-immigrant visas such as those for tourism or business travel, which will continue to be processed.
Immigrant visa applicants from the affected nations will now face a significant freeze that could delay or even halt their efforts to immigrate to the U.S. permanently.
What to do if you live in one of those countries
YouTube channel Oscar's Green Card has run through some FAQs for anyone who is curious about their current situation.
He notes that while people can still apply for an immigrant visa, and meetings will still take place, no visas will be handed out during this time to those from the list of countries.
Dual nationals with a valid passport from a country that is not in the list are exempt and can still gain a visa.
The visa applications do not apply for tourism, and those from the selected countries are still able to vacation in the US.
The 75 Affected Countries
The full list of nations affected by the suspension includes countries from across the globe. These countries span continents and include nations with diverse political, economic, and security conditions. Immigrant visa processing will be suspended for citizens of the following 75 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
- Tanzani
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
Applicants from these countries will face the suspension unless they qualify for one of the limited exceptions outlined by the State Department.
Criticism of the Policy
The decision has sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as a continuation of the Trump administration’s hardline stance on immigration.
Critics argue that the policy unfairly targets entire populations based on their country of origin, rather than evaluating applicants on an individual basis.
Human rights organizations and immigration experts have condemned the suspension, asserting that it could separate families and disrupt legal pathways for people seeking to reunite with loved ones, work, or escape conflict.
There is also concern that the policy could harm the U.S. economy. Immigrants have historically contributed to the country’s labor market, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.
Opponents suggest that this policy could undermine these valuable contributions.