Washington: The Trump administration has stepped up its immigration crackdown by temporarily halting immigrant visa issuances for applicants from 75 countries deemed “high-risk,” including Bangladesh and Pakistan. The US State Department released the list on Wednesday, stating that migrants from these countries rely on public welfare at “unacceptable rates.”
According to the department, the pause, effective January 21, applies only to immigrant visas, which are issued to individuals wishing to live permanently in the United States. Tourist visas and other non-immigrant visas remain unaffected.
“President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans,” the State Department said, adding that a comprehensive review of policies and regulations is underway to ensure immigrants from the listed countries do not become a public charge.
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The affected countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Russia, Nepal, Libya, and Brazil, among others across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
While immigrant visa applicants from these countries may still submit applications and attend interviews, the department clarified that no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause. It also confirmed that no previously issued visas have been revoked.
Dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a country not on the list are exempt from the suspension.
Immigrant visas cover categories such as spouses and fiancés of US citizens, certain family members of US citizens and lawful permanent residents, and employment-based immigrants eligible for Green Cards and eventual US citizenship. In contrast, non-immigrant visas are for temporary stays related to tourism, business, work, study, or medical treatment.
In a post on X, the White House said the pause would remain in effect until the US can ensure incoming immigrants “will not become a public charge or extract wealth from American taxpayers,” reiterating the administration’s “America First” stance.
The State Department added that the measure targets countries whose migrants “often become public charges on the United States upon arrival,” stressing that the move is intended to prevent what it described as abuse of American generosity.
