(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(By Asim Siddiqui Washington DC)
Washington — The United States will suspend immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries beginning January 21, 2026, according to reports citing U.S. State Department communications. The move is expected to affect thousands of people seeking permanent residence in the country and has no announced end date.
The suspension applies only to immigrant visas, including family-based and employment-based green cards processed through U.S. embassies abroad. Temporary visas — such as tourist, business, and student visas — are not included, though officials indicate that overall screening standards may tighten. U.S. officials say the decision is linked to a review of immigration rules tied to the “public charge” policy, which assesses whether immigrants are likely to rely on government assistance. Critics argue the move disproportionately impacts developing nations and could separate families for an indefinite period.
The affected countries span South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. They include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Egypt, Russia, Haiti, Somalia, and dozens of others, totaling 75 nations.
The U.S. government has not released a single formal public list or provided criteria for lifting the suspension, adding to uncertainty among applicants and immigration advocates. For now, individuals from the listed countries seeking permanent residence in the United States face an open-ended pause, with no clear timeline for when normal visa processing will resume.
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