- US State Department suspends immigrant visas.
- Targets citizens of 75 countries.
- Includes Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Somalia.
In compliance with a more comprehensive order issued in November that tightened regulations regarding prospective immigrants who might become "public charges" in the United States, the State Department, under the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said it had directed consular officers to halt immigrant visa applications from the affected countries.
Applicants seeking non-immigrant visas, as well as temporary tourist or business visas, which comprise the great majority of visa aspirants, will not be affected by the suspension, which will start on January 21.
The impending 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, both of which the United States will host or co-host, are predicted to significantly increase demand for non-immigrant visas in the future months and years.
"The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,"
the department said in a statement.
"Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits."
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has already significantly limited the processing of immigrant and non-immigrant visas for people of numerous nations, many of which are in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
The November directive, which served as the foundation for Wednesday's ruling, instructed U.S. Embassy and Consulate representatives to thoroughly and thoroughly screen visa applicants in order to show that they won't require public assistance from the government at any point after being admitted to the country.
A medical examination by a doctor who has been authorized by the U.S. Embassy is a prerequisite for entry into the country. In addition to being checked for illnesses like tuberculosis, they are asked about any past drug or alcohol usage, mental health issues, or violent incidents. Additionally, they must get several vaccines.
The countries affected by the suspension announced on
Wednesday are:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Bosnia
- Brazil
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Colombia
- Congo
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ivory Coast
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- Macedonia
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Myanmar
- 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
- Yemen
What exceptions exist for family reunification cases?
No specific exceptions for family reunification cases have been detailed in the US State Department's advertisement of the emigrant visa processing suspense for citizens of the 75 affected countries.
The policy emphasizes an indefinite pause on indigenous visa processing, including family- grounded orders, but notes limited quitclaims may apply for politic, exigency philanthropic cases, or US public interest determinations as determined by consular officers on a case- by- case basis.
Similar exceptions generally bear proving no public charge threat and critical circumstances, though no unequivocal sculpt- outs for consorts, children, or parents were stressed in the original rollout. Aspirants in family reunification orders( IR/ CR visas) from listed countries face processing gridlocks starting January 21, 2026, with consulates instructed to prioritize reviews only for qualifying quit claims.