The United States has announced a pause on the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries, marking the latest immigration-related move under President Donald Trump’s administration.
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According to the US State Department, the suspension applies specifically to immigrant visas and is part of a broader reassessment of immigration procedures. Officials said the review is meant to address concerns about applicants who may rely on government welfare or public benefits once in the country.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the pause is intended to prevent what the administration describes as abuse of the US immigration system. He added that visa processing from the affected countries will remain on hold while policies are reviewed, with no timeline yet announced for when processing might resume.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared on X that the countries affected include Somalia, Russia, and Iran. A US official also confirmed that several countries with generally friendly relations with the United States are included, such as Brazil, Egypt, and Thailand. Other countries mentioned include Nigeria, Iraq, and Yemen.
The suspension is set to begin on January 21, 2026, and will remain in effect until further notice. The official who confirmed the details spoke on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak publicly.
The State Department also said it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since Trump returned to office, the highest number recorded in a single year. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security reported that over 605,000 people have been deported, while around 2.5 million others left the US voluntarily.
The pause does not apply to tourist, business, or other non-immigrant visas, including those for visitors attending major events such as this year’s World Cup. However, the administration has reiterated that visa applicants may be subject to expanded background checks, including reviews of social media activity.
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