title:US Immigration Visa Pause Relief Sought for Pakistanis in DiplomaticTalks
ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic engagement amid heightened USimmigration restrictions, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari met US Republican Congressman Robert B Aderholt in Washington,highlighting positive prospects for addressing the recent pause onimmigrant visas affecting Pakistanis. The discussion, held ahead of anational prayer breakfast, underscored commitments to expedite visaprocessing through enhanced scrutiny while safeguarding migrant rights.This interaction signals potential avenues for relief as Pakistan navigatesthe challenges posed by the US Department of State’s indefinite suspensionon immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan,effective January 21, 2026.
The US policy shift, rooted in concerns over public charge risks whereimmigrants might rely on government benefits, has halted the issuance ofpermanent residency visas despite applications and interviews continuing.Implemented under the Trump administration’s focus on rigorous vetting, themeasure targets nationalities from diverse regions, with Pakistan includeddue to perceived higher risks of benefit dependency. Critics argue itdisproportionately impacts family reunification, education, and employmentpathways for legal immigrants, while supporters view it as essential forprotecting American resources and security.
During the meeting, both leaders emphasized strengthening parliamentaryties between Washington and Islamabad to foster deeper bilateralcooperation. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, a former foreign minister, andAderholt, a member of the US House Appropriations Committee representingAlabama, explored avenues to bolster inter-parliamentary relations. Theirexchange included views on promoting overall bilateral ties, reflecting amutual interest in maintaining constructive engagement despite immigrationhurdles.
A key aspect of the conversation involved interfaith harmony and religioustolerance, aligning with broader discussions at the prayer breakfast event.Such dialogues aim to build bridges across cultures and faiths, potentiallycreating goodwill that could influence policy considerations on migrationissues. The presence of Senator Akbar Khawaja during the meeting furtherhighlighted Pakistan’s multi-level diplomatic outreach in the US capital.
On the immigration front, Bilawal raised the specific concern of the visapause imposed on Pakistan and 74 other nations. US officials, in relatedassurances, indicated that processing would be expedited followingnecessary security and eligibility reviews. Importantly, assurances weregiven that the rights of Pakistani migrants would remain protected,avoiding undue overreach in implementation. This development offerscautious optimism that targeted advocacy could lead to adjustments orfaster resolutions for affected applicants.
The suspension exclusively affects immigrant visas leading to green cardsthrough consular processing abroad, leaving nonimmigrant categories such astourist, business, and student visas largely unaffected. This distinctionis crucial for Pakistanis, as many pursue temporary visits for education,family, or professional reasons without seeking permanent residency.However, long-term family-based and employment-based immigration pathwaysface indefinite delays, impacting thousands awaiting reunification orcareer opportunities.
Broader bilateral discussions touched on primary health and educationsectors, where both sides pondered collaborative proposals. Strengtheningthese areas could indirectly support migration narratives by demonstratingPakistan’s investments in human development, potentially alleviating USconcerns over public charge grounds. Such cooperative frameworks underscorethe strategic importance of sustained Pakistan-US relations beyondimmediate visa disputes.
Parliamentary diplomacy, as advocated in the meeting, plays a vital role inshaping foreign policy outcomes. Aderholt’s position on the AppropriationsCommittee positions him to influence funding and oversight related toimmigration enforcement. Engaging Republican lawmakers reflects Pakistan’sstrategy to build bipartisan support in Congress amid a polarized USpolitical landscape on migration issues.
The timing of the meeting coincides with ongoing reviews by the USDepartment of State to reassess vetting procedures and public chargedeterminations. While no fixed timeline for lifting the pause has beenannounced, diplomatic interventions like this could contribute todata-driven adjustments that expedite cases for compliant applicants.Positive signals from such high-level interactions may encourage furtherengagements to resolve outstanding concerns.
Overall, the engagement between Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and CongressmanAderholt represents a proactive step in advocating for Pakistani interestswithin the US legislative framework. By focusing on shared values liketolerance, education, and health cooperation alongside migration matters,both sides aim to foster enduring ties that transcend temporary policychallenges.
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