The Trump administration has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, in one of its most expansive moves to restrict legal immigration to the United States. The freeze, effective from 21 January, targets applicants deemed likely to become a 'public charge'—those who may depend on government benefits.
A State Department cable obtained by the Guardian reveals the list spans Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and eastern Europe, including war-torn nations, US allies, and countries with long-standing migration ties to America. Exceptions apply to dual nationals holding a valid passport from a non-listed country, or if the applicant can demonstrate their travel serves an 'America First' national interest.
If a visa has already been approved but not yet printed, consular officers 'must refuse the case'. The full list of affected countries has been published, though the cable does not specify a timeline for when processing might resume.
