Overview
- State Department announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026.
- The action targets only permanent‑residence categories as consular posts were told to halt issuance, while tourist, business, student and other non‑immigrant visas continue.
- Officials say the pause uses long‑standing ‘public charge’ authority and will remain until safeguards ensure new immigrants will not rely on U.S. public benefits.
- A full official list was not initially published, though media reported affected nations including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Iran, Russia and Afghanistan; dual nationals applying with a passport from an unaffected country are exempt.
- An internal cable reported by the Associated Press instructed consulates to tighten screening of non‑immigrant applicants for potential welfare use, and the State Department said existing immigrant visas were not revoked under this guidance.