January 14, 2026
In a significant and sweeping shift in U.S. immigration policy, the Department of State announced today that it will indefinitely suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries.
The suspension, which is set to take effect on January 21, 2026, represents one of the most substantial restrictions on legal immigration in recent history. At Law Office of Paul Szeto, we understand how distressing this news is for families waiting to be reunited and for professionals planning their futures in the United States.
Below is a breakdown of what we know so far and what this means for you.
Why Is This Happening?
According to the official statement from the State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the pause is intended to allow for a comprehensive reassessment of screening and vetting procedures.
The administration has cited concerns regarding the "Public Charge" rule, suggesting that the suspension is necessary to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who may require public assistance or "welfare benefits" upon arrival. This move follows a directive issued in November 2025 that tightened scrutiny over an applicant’s age, health, financial status, and English proficiency.
Who Is Affected?
While the State Department has not yet released the final, formal list of all 75 nations to the public, internal memos and news reports have identified a wide range of affected countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America.
Countries reportedly on the list include, but are not limited to:
Middle East/Asia: Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Thailand, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon.
Europe: Russia, Belarus, Albania, and Bosnia.
Africa: Somalia, Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal.
Americas: Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, and Jamaica.
A complete listing of the 75 countries as reported by the media are listed at the end.
Important Note: This suspension currently applies only to Immigrant Visas (those seeking permanent residency/Green Cards). Non-immigrant visas—such as temporary tourist (B1/B2), student (F-1), or business visas—are reportedly not included in this specific suspension at this time.
Generally, those who already have a valid, issued visa in their physical possession are not expected to be affected by the processing pause, though they may face heightened scrutiny at Ports of Entry.
What Should You Do Now?
If you or a family member are currently in the process of applying for an immigrant visa from one of the affected countries, here are our recommendations:
Do Not Panic, But Act Quickly: If you have an interview scheduled before January 21, ensure you attend and have all documentation (especially financial sponsorship forms like the I-864) perfectly organized.
Review Financial Sponsorship: Given the focus on "public charge" concerns, ensure your petitioners meet and exceed the income requirements.
Consult with Legal Counsel: The landscape is changing daily. A "pause" in processing does not necessarily mean your case is canceled, but it may require a strategic shift in how we approach your filing or look for potential exceptions (such as those for religious minorities or specific humanitarian cases).
How We Can Help
Our office is monitorng the situation in Washington D.C. and at consulates worldwide in real-time. We are prepared to help our clients navigate these new hurdles, from filing for "National Interest" exceptions to ensuring that every application is "public charge" proof.
The 75 countries affeced, as reported by the media, are:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.
