Archive · 15 Jan 2026
US Halts Visa Processing for 75 Nations
The United States is stopping the processing of immigrant visas for people from 75 countries.
This includes countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Brazil.
The change starts on January 21, 2026.
The US government says they need to check their procedures to make sure people coming into the country are safe and not likely to need government help.
Some people think this is a good idea to keep the country safe, while others think it is unfair and too strict.
The US has also been looking at people's social media to see if they have bad opinions about the US.
This is part of a bigger plan by President Trump to control who can come into the country.
Tourist and business visas are not affected by this change.
The US State Department will suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries starting January 21, 2026.
Notable countries affected include Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Somalia, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Egypt, and Yemen.
The suspension is part of a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration to prevent immigrants from becoming a public charge.
The move follows Trump's vow to 'permanently pause' migration from 'Third World Countries' after a shooting by an Afghan national.
Consular officers have been directed to refuse visa applications until screening and vetting procedures are reassessed, but tourist and business visas are not affected.
- Who
- Nationals from 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Somalia, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Egypt, and Yemen
- What
- Suspension of immigrant visa processing by the US State Department
- When
- Effective from January 21, 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To reassess screening and vetting procedures for national security and public safety, and to prevent immigrants from becoming a public charge
Immigration Advocates
Trump Administration
Purpose of Visa Suspension
Immigration Advocates
Immigration advocates argue that the suspension is discriminatory and unfairly targets non-European nations, potentially separating families and limiting opportunities for legal immigration.
Trump Administration
The Trump administration claims the suspension is necessary to prevent immigrants from becoming a public charge and to protect American taxpayers from supporting welfare-dependent immigrants.
Impact on Immigrants
Immigration Advocates
Critics say the move will harm vulnerable individuals seeking to reunite with family or build a better life in the US, and that it undermines the country's reputation as a nation of immigrants.
Trump Administration
Supporters of the policy believe it will ensure that immigrants are self-sufficient and not a burden on public resources, aligning with President Trump's 'America First' agenda.
- Number of Countries Affected
- 75
- Effective Date
- January 21, 2026
- Notable Countries Affected
- Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Somalia, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Egypt, Yemen
- Reason for Suspension
- Reassessment of screening and vetting procedures to prevent public charge
- Public Charge Provision
- Denial of visas to applicants likely to become dependent on government assistance
- State Department Spokesperson
- Tommy Pigott
- Additional Measures
- Scrutiny of social media profiles for anti-US views
- Visas Not Affected
- Tourist, business, and other non-immigrant visas
Sources
US Border Crackdown: 39 countries face travel entry ban, 38 need visa bonds
US suspends visa processing for 75 countries from January 21: Report – Firstpost
US set to suspend visa processing for dozens of countries
US To Suspend Visa Processing Of 75 Nations Including Russia, Iran: Report
US halts visa processing for 75 countries starting January 21, report says – Here’s what to know
White House ends TPS protections for Somalis
State Department freezes immigrant visas from 75 countries from January 21. See the complete list here
US to suspend visa processing for 75 nations next week, Fox News reports
US to suspend visa processing for 75 nations, State Department says
US To Pause Visa Processing for 75 Countries Including Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh: Reports
Visa curbs: US to pause visa processing for applicants from 75 countries as screening rules tighten
US suspends visa processing for 75 countries: Is India on the list?
US pauses visa processing for individuals from about 75 countries
US to suspend visa processing for 75 countries from next week
US to pause visa for Russia, Iran among 75 countries from Jan 21
US to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 nations, State Department says
US To Halt Visa Processing For 75 Nations, Including Pak, Bangladesh: Report
US to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 nations
US Releases February 2026 Visa Bulletin: Which green card applicants gain, who stays stuck?
Pak, Bangladesh, Iran: List Of 75 Nations Facing US Immigrant Visa Pause
75 nations hit by US immigrant visa freeze starting Jan 21; Is India included? Check full list here
Which Countries Are Affected By US Immigrant Visa Suspension? Check Full List
US State Department to pause visa processing for 75 countries
US pauses immigrant visas for 75 countries; Pakistan among those affected
Trump administration to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 nations
US visa crackdown: A list of the 75 countries affected
US to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries
Immigrant visa pause for individuals from 75 ‘high-risk’ countries does not include tourist, temporary visas
Trump administration suspends visa processing for 75 countries amid immigration crackdown
US pauses immigrant visas from 75 countries to 'put America first': Full list of affected nations
US to Suspend Immigrant Visa Processing For 75 Countries From 21 January
US govt freezes immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 75 other countries: Here is why
US suspends immigrant visa processing for 75 countries: Who is affected and who isn’t – Top FAQs answered
