The Trump administration has moved to calm widespread concern following its announcement of an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. The pause, which comes into force on January 21, applies specifically to people seeking to migrate permanently to the United States for settlement and work, officials said.
According to the US State Department, the decision is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration controls and prevent misuse of the system. Importantly, officials stressed that the suspension does not apply universally to all visa categories, nor does it affect every applicant connected to the listed countries.
What Visa Suspension Covers—and What It Doesn’t
The immigrant visa freeze applies only to individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States. Dual nationals who possess a passport from a country not included in the suspension will not be impacted, the State Department clarified.
Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the measure is aimed at stopping “abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people.” Officials have repeatedly underlined that the policy is targeted rather than blanket in nature, focusing on immigrant visas alone.
Non-immigrant visas—such as those issued for tourism, education, temporary employment, athletics, and family visits—remain unaffected, providing reassurance to millions of potential travelers and temporary workers.
Relief To 15 Countries Amid World Cup Fears
The initial announcement sparked anxiety among football fans worldwide, particularly those planning to attend the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States and Mexico later this year. Alarm spread quickly as it emerged that 15 of the affected countries are among the tournament’s participants.
These countries include Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Algeria, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Jordan, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan, as per Hindustan Times. However, officials later clarified that the visa pause does not apply to non-immigrant visas, easing fears that fans, players, and team officials could be barred from travel.
Pakistan & Enhanced Vetting Requirements
Addressing concerns specific to Pakistan, the US Embassy explained that immigrant visa processing for Pakistani nationals would resume only after applicants undergo what it described as the most rigorous screening procedures, reported Times of India.
These checks are designed to ensure that incoming immigrants meet eligibility requirements and will not depend on public assistance.
List Of Countries & Official Embassy Clarification
The suspension affects a broad range of nations across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Among those included are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen, along with dozens of others.
Reiterating the policy, the US Embassy in Islamabad stated: “Effective January 21, the Department of State is pausing issuance to all immigrant visa applicants from selected countries, including Pakistan. Secretary Rubio has instituted this pause until we can ensure that new immigrants have been vetted to the maximum degree to ensure their eligibility for a U.S. visa, including that they will not use public assistance. This action applies to the issuance of immigrant visas only. It does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, such as those for tourists, students, athletes, skilled workers, and their families.”
