Former US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has publicly urged the United States to prioritize visa restrictions on China. She stated that China should be the "number one country" targeted for tighter controls.
Haley's Statement on Social Media
Haley posted her statement on the social media platform X. She wrote clearly, "The number one country we should be restricting visas from is China." Her post quickly gained significant attention online. Immigration and national security remain major issues in the United States, fueling the discussion.
Context of US Visa Policy Changes
Haley's remarks come at a time when the US government is implementing a major policy shift. The State Department has ordered a pause in immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. This move is set to take effect from January 21, 2026.
Details of the Visa Freeze
The suspension applies specifically to immigrant visas. These are for applicants seeking to permanently move to the United States. It does not cover all temporary visa categories like tourist or student visas. The decision is part of Washington's effort to tighten screening under the "public charge" provision of US immigration law.
The measure aims to restrict approvals for applicants who might be considered likely to rely on government assistance after moving to the US. Official communications sent to US missions abroad outline this goal. The suspension affects immigrant visa decisions handled by US embassies and consulates overseas.
List of Affected Countries
Reports indicate the 75 countries covered include several nations from various regions. Among them are:
- Somalia
- Russia
- Iran
- Afghanistan
- Brazil
- Nigeria
- Thailand
The list contains many others, highlighting the broad scope of the policy.
Haley's Stance on China and Security
Nikki Haley has frequently taken a hard line on China in her public comments. She has previously raised specific concerns about potential security risks linked to visa access from China. In her latest post, she did not outline any detailed policy plan. There was no immediate official response from the US government regarding her specific call to target China.
The intersection of immigration policy and national security continues to be a heated topic. Haley's direct statement adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate as the US prepares for significant changes in its visa processing system.
