In a sweeping move that effectively shuts the door on permanent residency for nearly 40% of the world’s nations, the Trump administration has ordered an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries.
Effective January 21, 2026, U.S. Embassies and Consulates in the affected regions will stop issuing Green Cards (immigrant visas) while the State Department conducts a massive review of its vetting procedures.
If you are waiting for a family or employment-based Green Card interview abroad, here is the critical breakdown of this developing story.
- The Core Update: What Just Happened?
- The Order: A State Department cable has instructed consular officers to pause the issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of 75 specific countries.
- The Reason: The administration cited “Public Charge” concerns. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated the pause is to prevent the entry of foreign nationals deemed likely to “extract wealth from the American people” through welfare and public benefits.
- The Timeline: The freeze begins officially on January 21, 2026, and is “indefinite”—meaning it will last until the administration is satisfied with new, stricter screening protocols.
- Who Is on the “Block List”?
While the full list of 75 countries is being rolled out, confirmed reports identify major nations across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.
- South Asia Impact:
- Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal are confirmed to be on the list.
- Afghanistan (already under heavy restrictions) is included.
- Global Impact:
- Major Economies: Brazil, Russia, Thailand, Colombia, and Egypt.
- Others: Iran, Somalia, Haiti, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Kenya.
- The “Safe” List (Crucial for Indians):
- Current reports indicate that India is NOT on the list. Indian nationals processing their Green Cards appear to be safe from this specific freeze, though general vetting remains strict.
- The “Immigrant” vs. “Non-Immigrant” Distinction
This is the most confusing part of the order, so read carefully:
- FROZEN: Immigrant Visas: This applies if you are abroad and applying to move to the U.S. permanently (e.g., a US citizen sponsoring a spouse, parents, or siblings; or an employment-based EB-1/EB-2/EB-3 visa processed at a consulate).
- STILL OPEN: Non-Immigrant Visas: The order does NOT currently apply to temporary visas.
- Students (F-1): Safe.
- Tourists (B1/B2): Safe (specifically to ensure travel for the upcoming 2026 World Cup remains fluid).
- Skilled Workers (H-1B/L-1): Generally safe, provided you are not seeking to finalize a Green Card at a consulate.
- Why Is This Happening Now?
This move is part of a “layer cake” of immigration restrictions:
- Public Charge 2.0: The administration is enforcing a much stricter interpretation of the “Public Charge” rule, looking not just at current finances, but predicting future reliance on benefits like Medicaid or food stamps based on age, health, and English proficiency.
- Recalcitrant Countries: Many nations on the list (like Russia and Somalia) have historically refused to accept their own deported citizens, leading to retaliatory visa sanctions under Section 243(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- Strategic Advice for Applicants
- If You Are from a “List” Country:
- Cancel Travel Plans? If you have an interview scheduled after Jan 21, it will likely be canceled. Wait for official email confirmation before heading to the embassy.
- Adjustment of Status (AOS): If you are already inside the U.S. (e.g., on a student or H-1B visa) and applying for a Green Card (Form I-485), this order technically applies to consular processing. However, expect USCIS to apply the same “Public Charge” scrutiny to your domestic application.
- If You Are from India:
- Breathe a sigh of relief, but stay vigilant. The exclusion of India suggests the administration values the high-skilled labor pipeline (H-1B to Green Card), but “Public Charge” rules are universal. Ensure your financial documents (Affidavit of Support) are bulletproof.