U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries Under Trump Administration Policy

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – The United States will indefinitely suspend immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries beginning January 21, the U.S. Department of State announced Wednesday, marking a significant expansion of the Trump administration’s immigration restrictions.

The pause affects individuals seeking permanent immigration to the United States, typically through marriage, family reunification, or employment sponsorship. The suspension does not apply to short-term or non-immigrant visas, including tourist visas or those connected to major international events such as the 2026 men’s World Cup.

According to the State Department, the affected countries span Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, and include Iran, Russia, Afghanistan, Somalia, Thailand, Morocco, Colombia, and Brazil, among others.

State Department principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the move is intended to curb what the administration describes as systemic abuse of the U.S. immigration system.

“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. “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.”

Under existing policy, consular officers are required to assess whether visa applicants are likely to become a “public charge,” meaning they would depend on welfare or public assistance programs if admitted. While most immigrants are barred from accessing federal benefits such as Medicaid or food assistance for at least five years after receiving permanent residency, the administration has argued that the risk remains significant.

The visa freeze follows earlier restrictions imposed by Donald Trump, who initially introduced a travel ban during his first week in office, citing national security concerns. Over time, the policy framework has expanded to include broader economic and immigration-related criteria. As of January 1, partial or total travel bans were in place for 39 countries.

In December, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services paused applications from nationals of 19 countries that had already been subject to travel bans earlier in 2025, according to an internal policy document.

The announcement comes amid stepped-up immigration enforcement nationwide, with increased activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in multiple U.S. cities. The enforcement push has drawn scrutiny after a fatal incident in Minneapolis last week during an ICE operation.

In posts on X, the State Department said it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since President Trump returned to office, adding that the new freeze will remain in effect until officials can ensure that incoming immigrants “will not extract wealth from the American people.” A follow-up post emphasized that the administration “will always put America First.”

The State Department said immigrant visa processing for the affected countries will remain paused while it reassesses procedures and screening standards, with no timeline provided for when, or if, processing may resume.

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