WASHINGTON: The United States has announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of Pakistan and 74 other countries, according to US media and an official statement from the U.S. Department of State.
American broadcaster Fox News reported that the decision affects nationals from countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Russia, Somalia, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Nepal, Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Uzbekistan, and several others. The suspension is set to take effect from January 21, 2026.
The U.S. Department of State has instructed American embassies and consulates to halt the issuance of immigrant visas under existing regulations until a comprehensive review of visa procedures is completed. No specific timeline has been announced for the completion of this review.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the State Department said the restriction would remain in place until the U.S. government can ensure that new immigrants do not make “unjustified use” of American taxpayers’ money. According to the department, many immigrants from these countries allegedly become a financial burden on the state shortly after arriving in the United States.
The move is being described by analysts as part of a broader tightening of U.S. immigration policy under the Trump administration, particularly focusing on economic self-sufficiency and public welfare concerns.
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