US Freezes Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh Among Worst Hit

The United States has suspended immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, in one of the most sweeping immigration moves in recent years. The pause, which came into effect on January 21, will remain in force indefinitely while Washington reassesses its visa screening and vetting procedures.

According to an internal memo issued by the US State Department, consular offices worldwide have been instructed to halt visa issuance for applicants from the affected countries and apply existing laws strictly during the review period. The suspension applies across multiple regions, spanning South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, South America and parts of Asia.

Besides Pakistan and Bangladesh, the list of affected countries reportedly includes Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, Iraq, Egypt and Yemen, among others. With no timeline provided for the resumption of processing, the decision has introduced deep uncertainty for thousands of prospective immigrants, students, workers and families awaiting visas.

The memo states that the pause is aimed at tightening scrutiny of applicants considered likely to become a “public charge” — a legal term used to describe individuals who may depend on government assistance after entering the United States. During the reassessment, consular officers have been directed to deny visas under existing legal authority if applicants are deemed ineligible.

Officials said visa officers will now place greater emphasis on factors such as age, health condition, financial resources, English language proficiency and the potential need for long-term medical care. Applicants assessed as likely to rely on public benefits are expected to face refusals until the review process is completed.

The move forms part of a broader immigration crackdown pursued by US President Donald Trump since returning to office last year. His administration has consistently tightened immigration rules, citing national security concerns and the need to prevent abuse of public resources.

A spokesperson for the State Department said the US would use its long-standing authority to deny entry to those who may place a financial burden on the country. The guidance reflects a tougher interpretation of public charge rules that have featured prominently in Trump’s immigration agenda.

In Pakistan, the timing of the suspension has drawn particular attention, coming amid renewed diplomatic engagement with Washington. Critics in the country have described the development as a diplomatic setback, while analysts say it underscores the transactional and security-driven nature of current US immigration policy.

The scale of the suspension has raised concerns globally, especially among communities reliant on migration pathways for education, employment, business travel and family reunification. Universities, employers and immigration advocates warn that prolonged uncertainty could disrupt academic admissions, labour mobility and cross-border economic ties.

Although the measure stops short of a permanent ban, it is among the broadest visa pauses announced during Trump’s presidency. In earlier remarks, he had signalled a hard-line stance on migration, including calls for sharp curbs following security incidents involving foreign nationals.

For now, the suspension will remain in place until the State Department completes its internal review of visa processing standards. Until then, embassies and consulates have been told to deny applications that fail to meet stricter eligibility thresholds, reinforcing Washington’s broader push to narrow immigration pathways.