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In a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, the State Department has announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa proceedings for citizens of 75 countries. Effective January 21, 2026, this directive targets individuals seeking permanent residency (Green Cards) from abroad.While the policy is being framed as a necessary measure to protect the U.S. economy, it has left thousands of families, employers, and hopeful immigrants in a state of uncertainty. Here is a detailed look at what is happening, who is affected, and what legal grounds the government is using.
1. What is the New Policy?
The U.S. State Department is "pausing" the issuance of immigrant visas (IVs) for nationals of 75 specific countries. According to official statements, the pause is intended to allow the department to "reassess screening and vetting procedures."
The primary concern cited by officials is the "Public Charge" rule. The administration argues that many applicants from these nations are at a high risk of becoming dependent on government welfare or public benefits once they arrive in the United States.
Key Dates and Scope:
Effective Date: January 21, 2026.
What is Paused: All immigrant visas, including family-sponsored, employment-based, fiancé(e) (K-1), and Diversity Lottery visas.
What is NOT Paused: Non-immigrant visas, such as those for tourism (B-1/B-2), study (F-1), or temporary work (H-1B), remain in effect, though they may face stricter screening.
2. Countries Affected by the Suspension
The list includes 75 nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Below is the comprehensive list of the countries currently impacted by this specific pause:
| Region | Countries Affected |
| Africa | Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire), Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe |
| Asia / Middle East | Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Syria, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Yemen |
| Americas | Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay, Venezuela |
| Europe / Eurasia | Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia |
| Oceania | Fiji, Tonga |
3. The Legality: How Can the Government Do This?
For many, the sudden halting of legal immigration pathways seems unprecedented. However, the government is relying on two primary legal "anchors":
Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
This is a broad authority that allows the President to suspend the entry of any "class of aliens" if their entry is deemed "detrimental to the interests of the United States." This same authority was famously used for the 2017 travel bans and was upheld by the Supreme Court in Trump v. Hawaii.
The "Public Charge" Provision (INA 212(a)(4))
Federal law states that any immigrant who is "likely at any time to become a public charge" is inadmissible. By pausing visas for 75 nations, the State Department claims it is conducting a "totality of the circumstances" review to ensure that new arrivals have sufficient financial support and will not rely on Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), or other public assistance.
4. Alternative Pathways for Immigrants
If you are a citizen of an affected country, the path to a Green Card is currently blocked, but there are alternative strategies to consider:
Dual Nationality: If you hold a second citizenship from a country not on the list (e.g., you have both a Brazilian and an Italian passport), you may be able to apply using your non-affected passport.
Non-Immigrant Work Visas: Visas like the L-1 (Intracompany Transferee) or O-1 (Extraordinary Ability) are not part of the immigrant visa pause. While these don't grant permanent residency immediately, they allow you to live and work in the U.S. legally.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visas: For citizens of countries with a qualifying commerce treaty with the U.S., the E-2 visa allows for entry based on significant investment in a U.S. business.
Humanitarian Exceptions: In extremely rare cases, "national interest waivers" or humanitarian parole may be granted for medical emergencies or life-threatening situations, though these are granted at the government's high discretion.
Summary and Next Steps
The 2026 visa pause represents one of the most sweeping restrictions on legal immigration in modern history. If you have an application pending, your file will likely remain at the National Visa Center (NVC) or the local embassy without further action until the pause is lifted.
What you can do now:
Check your status: Monitor official updates on
travel.state.gov.Consult Counsel: Immigration laws are changing weekly. A qualified attorney can help you determine if you qualify for an exception or a different visa category.
Gather Records: Ensure your financial sponsorship documents (Affidavits of Support) are as strong as possible to prepare for the heightened "Public Charge" scrutiny when processing resumes.
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