President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a meeting in the White House, Jan. 9, 2026. The State Department announced on Wednesday that it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries.(AP Photo)
The U.S. State Department will halt immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries starting Jan. 21, marking a major tightening of immigration policy under the Trump administration. The move affects countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Somalia.
The suspension applies only to immigrant visas for permanent residency. Non-immigrant visas—such as tourist, student and business visas—will continue to be processed.
Policy Tied to “Public Charge” Rules
The decision is based on guidance issued in November that reinforces the administration’s “public charge” policy. Under U.S. law, immigrants seeking permanent residency must demonstrate they are unlikely to rely on government benefits. The new directive significantly expands how that standard is enforced.
According to the State Department, consular officers have been instructed to pause applications while immigration screening procedures are reassessed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the review is intended to prevent what the administration describes as abuse of the immigration system.
Expanded Screening Criteria
Under the updated guidance, visa officers must conduct more comprehensive evaluations of applicants.
Factors Under Review Include:
- Age and overall health
- Financial resources and employment prospects
- Education, skills and work history
- Family status and support networks
- Any past use of public assistance
Officers may also assess English proficiency during interviews, a step experts say could further limit eligibility.
Temporary Visas Unaffected
The suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas, which account for the majority of U.S. visa applications. The State Department expects demand for temporary visas to rise as the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.
Concerns From Immigration Experts
Immigration analysts warn the expanded criteria could sharply reduce approvals, particularly for applicants from lower-income countries. Similar policies during Trump’s first term were widely criticized for creating uncertainty and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
No Timeline for Resumption
The State Department did not specify when immigrant visa processing will resume for the affected countries, saying applications may move forward once revised procedures are finalized. Until then, immigrant visa cases from the listed nations will remain on hold.
