The United States government has announced a sweeping suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of seventy-five countries, effective January twenty-first, 2026, marking one of the most expansive shifts in U.S. immigration policy in recent years.

The State Department instructed U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to halt immigrant visa issuance under existing law while procedures are reassessed, citing concerns that applicants from the affected countries may be more likely to become “public charges” reliant on government benefits.

This measure is part of a broader policy agenda aimed at tightening legal immigration pathways and enhancing national security screening.

The list of affected countries spans Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Eastern Europe, and includes nations such as Somalia, Haiti, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Brazil, Nigeria and Thailand.

The suspension applies specifically to immigrant visas — intended for those seeking permanent residence — and does not affect non-immigrant visas for tourists, students or business travellers, although applicants for those categories may face enhanced screening for financial stability and potential reliance on public assistance.

Dual nationals holding passports from countries not on the list are exempt, and some exceptions exist for travel that aligns with U.S. national interests.

Officials have not provided a timeline for how long the pause will remain in effect, but the action follows a series of legal and administrative steps taken by the administration to tighten immigration rules and vetting requirements, including earlier travel restrictions and pauses on asylum and citizenship processing.

Administration spokespeople described the policy as a lawful exercise of authority to protect the interests and welfare of American citizens by preventing potential misuse of public systems and ensuring immigrants admitted to the United States are financially self-sufficient.

Critics of the policy argue that it will significantly restrict legal immigration and have far-reaching humanitarian and diplomatic consequences, particularly for nationals of economically challenged or conflict-affected countries who may be seeking family reunification or refuge.

Legal experts also note that while the suspension targets immigrant visas, cascading effects are likely to be felt across global consular operations, with uncertainty for thousands of applicants and their families.

Implementation of the suspension will begin later this month, as foreign nationals and immigration professionals worldwide adjust to the new regulatory environment and await further guidance from the U.S. government.