US pauses immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries

The US government has announced a temporary halt on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries it considers “high risk,” citing concerns about immigrants relying on public benefits after entering the US. The decision, announced by the Trump administration, will take effect on January 21, 2026, and applies only to immigrant visas that lead to permanent residency in the US.

According to the Department of State, the pause affects individuals seeking to immigrate permanently to the US through family-based or employment-based categories. Tourist visas, student visas, temporary work visas, and other nonimmigrant visas to the US are not impacted by the measure.

US immigrant visa pause explained

Immigrant visas allow foreign nationals to live permanently in the US and, over time, become eligible for lawful permanent residency and citizenship. These visas are commonly issued to spouses and family members of US citizens, fiancés planning to marry US citizens, and certain employment-based applicants sponsored by US employers.

The State Department said the pause is part of a broader US policy review focused on ensuring that immigrants entering the country are financially self-sufficient and do not rely on welfare programs funded by US taxpayers.

“President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans,” the State Department said. “The Department of State is undergoing a full review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge.”

US list of affected countries

The Department of State released a list of 75 countries whose nationals are subject to the immigrant visa pause. The list includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Cuba, Somalia, Syria, Nepal, Russia, and several other nations. Officials said the countries were identified based on data related to reliance on public benefits and broader policy considerations tied to immigration oversight in the US.

While applicants from these countries may continue submitting immigrant visa applications and attend scheduled interviews at US embassies and consulates, no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause period.

US clarifies what the pause does and does not affect

The US government emphasized that the policy does not cancel or revoke immigrant visas that have already been issued. Individuals who currently hold valid immigrant visas can still travel to the US under existing rules.

The Department also clarified that dual nationals are exempt from the restriction if they apply for a US immigrant visa using a passport from a country not included on the list.

Nonimmigrant visas, known as NIVs, remain unaffected. These include visas for tourism, business travel, education, temporary employment, medical treatment, and short-term visits to the US.

US administration outlines ‘America First’ rationale

In a post on X, the White House said the pause aligns with the administration’s “America First” approach to immigration and public spending. The post stated that the measure would remain in effect until the US can ensure that incoming immigrants will not become public charges or place an undue burden on taxpayers.

“We are working to ensure the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused,” the post said.

Officials said the US government has identified certain countries where migrants “take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates,” including Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea. The administration framed the pause as a temporary step while the US reviews financial eligibility standards and enforcement mechanisms tied to immigrant admissions.

US policy focus on public charge concerns

The concept of a “public charge” has long been part of US immigration law and refers to individuals who may become primarily dependent on government assistance. The administration said the current pause allows the US to reassess how public charge rules are applied to immigrant visa applicants from high-risk countries.

Officials stressed that the policy is narrowly focused on immigrant visas and does not constitute a blanket travel ban or restriction on temporary entry into the US.

US response to criticism

Critics argue that the policy could disproportionately impact individuals from economically vulnerable or conflict-affected regions who seek permanent residence in the US through family reunification or employment pathways. Advocacy groups have raised concerns about delays, uncertainty, and the broader humanitarian implications of the pause.

The administration, however, maintains that the measure is limited in scope and grounded in economic and administrative considerations rather than nationality-based discrimination. According to officials, the US remains open to lawful immigration but is prioritizing financial independence and compliance with existing immigration standards.

What applicants to the US should expect

For now, immigrant visa applicants from affected countries should expect delays in final visa issuance, even if interviews proceed as scheduled. The State Department has not specified how long the pause will last, stating only that it will continue until the policy review is completed.

The US government said it will provide updates as the review progresses, and any changes to immigrant visa processing will be communicated through official US channels.

As of now, the pause reflects the administration’s broader effort to tighten oversight of permanent immigration to the US while keeping nonimmigrant travel and temporary visas fully operational.