The United States State Department is taking a drastic step in immigration policy. Starting January 21, it will indefinitely pause immigrant visa processing for citizens from 75 countries across the globe.
Targeting Permanent Immigration Pathways
This suspension specifically halts the issuance of visas for people seeking to immigrate permanently to the US. The affected pathways are common routes like family-sponsored immigration, marriage-based visas, and employment-based sponsorship.
Important clarification: The pause does not apply to non-immigrant visas. People can still apply for tourist visas or temporary work permits. The block is solely for those seeking permanent resident status.
Global Reach of the New Policy
The list of 75 nations spans multiple continents. It includes significant countries from Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. According to a State Department official familiar with the plan, processing will stop for nations like Russia, Thailand, Morocco, Colombia, and Brazil.
This action marks a major expansion of President Donald Trump's existing travel restrictions. His initial ban, implemented early in his first term, targeted 39 countries. The administration stated its original goal was preventing terrorists from entering the United States.
Shift in Policy Rationale
The rationale behind these immigration pauses has evolved. The focus has broadened from security concerns to economic factors. The Trump administration now explicitly aims to restrict immigration from what the president terms "third-world countries."
A core mechanism enabling this pause is the "public charge" rule. State Department officials are instructed to assess every visa applicant. They must determine if the individual might become dependent on public assistance if allowed into the US.
This means evaluating whether someone would likely need welfare programs like Medicaid or food stamps (SNAP). It is worth noting that most immigrants are already barred from using these federal benefits until they have been permanent residents for at least five years. Some narrow exceptions exist, and state-funded programs operate under different rules.
Official Justification from the State Department
State Department principal deputy spokesman Tommy Pigott released a statement defending the move. He framed it as a necessary measure to protect American resources.
"The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America's immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people," Pigott said.
He continued, "The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people. Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits."
The indefinite nature of this pause creates significant uncertainty. Thousands of families and workers from the listed countries now face an interrupted path to American residency. The policy reinforces the administration's hardline stance on immigration, prioritizing economic criteria alongside its established security and travel restrictions.
