The administration of President Donald Trump has once again tightened United States immigration policies. Starting January 21, the U.S. Department of State has suspended the processing of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries for an indefinite period.
This move represents one of the broadest restrictions on legal immigration pathways since Trump returned to office in January 2025. The U.S. government stated that the policy is intended to prevent the entry of migrants who may potentially become dependent on public assistance.
The policy is outlined in an internal Department of State cable circulated among diplomatic officials. The suspension applies to immigrant visa applicants deemed at risk of becoming a “public charge,” referring to individuals who are expected to rely on U.S. government welfare programs.
Countries Affected by the Policy
The list of affected countries spans nearly all regions of the world. Nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean are included. Among the notable countries on the list are Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Somalia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Iraq, and Syria.
Southeast Asia has also been significantly impacted. Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar are among the countries subject to the immigrant visa suspension. Overall, nearly half of Southeast Asia is affected by the policy, signaling a direct impact on migration flows from the region to the United States.
Suspension Mechanism and Limited Exemptions
According to the internal cable, consular officers are required to halt all immigrant visa processing starting January 21. Even applications that have already been approved but not yet printed must be refused, with consular officers instructed that they “must refuse the case.”
Exemptions are granted only under specific circumstances. Dual nationals may be exempt if they apply using a passport from a country not included on the suspension list.
In addition, applicants who can demonstrate that their travel serves U.S. national interests under the “America First” framework may also be considered for an exemption.
The Department of State emphasized that the policy does not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as tourist and business visas. These visa categories will continue to be processed and are expected to see increased demand ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, both of which will be hosted in the United States.
Tightening of the “Public Charge” Rule
The visa suspension is based on an expanded application of the “public charge” rule within U.S. immigration law. Under updated guidelines issued last November, consular officers are required to conduct comprehensive screenings of immigrant visa applicants.
The assessment covers multiple factors, including age, health condition, family status, financial circumstances, level of education, job skills, and any history of receiving public assistance. Consular officers may also evaluate an applicant’s English-language proficiency through in-person interviews.
A separate notice further instructs that non-immigrant visa applicants be screened to ensure they are unlikely to rely on public assistance during their stay in the United States.
Continuation of Trump’s Hardline Immigration Agenda
According to the Associated Press, the policy is part of a broader series of immigration restrictions implemented since Trump returned to the White House. The administration has previously suspended or limited visa processing for dozens of countries, expanded travel bans, and delayed the processing of asylum claims and green cards for certain groups.
“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
With the suspension of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including several in Southeast Asia, the Trump administration has once again reaffirmed its hardline approach to legal immigration, while simultaneously reviewing and tightening screening procedures for entrants to the United States.
