In a move that's got 🗽 and beyond talking, the U.S. State Department recently announced it will pause immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This decision remains in place indefinitely until authorities reassess the policy.
According to the State Department, the freeze targets countries "whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates." Some of the nations on the list include Somalia, Haiti, Iran, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand and others across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Why does this matter to you? If you're planning to move, work or study in the U.S., now’s the time to rethink your timeline. Student visas might not be directly affected, but any green card or family reunification application from the listed countries will hit pause.
This policy follows recent steps by the White House to end temporary protected status for Somali immigrants amid fraud concerns, and a broader trend of stricter U.S. immigration rules. Back in November 2025, then-President Trump talked about suspending immigration from "Third World countries" after a security incident near the White House.
For young professionals and students in South Asia and Southeast Asia, this is a reminder to keep an eye on global policy shifts. 📅 Planning ahead, exploring alternative destinations or remote work options, and staying updated through official channels can help you navigate these changes.
Got questions or experiences to share? Drop them in the comments below! 👇
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
