ISLAMABAD: The United States has announced an indefinite suspension ofimmigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan,effective January 21, 2026. This decision, driven by the Trumpadministration’s focus on preventing immigrants from becoming a publiccharge, has raised significant concerns among affected applicants. The moveforms part of a broader immigration crackdown, prompting Pakistan’s ForeignOffice to engage directly with US authorities while expressing hope for aswift resumption of routine processing.
The US State Department described the pause as a necessary measure during acomprehensive review of immigration policies and procedures. Officialsemphasized that applicants from these designated high-risk countries arestatistically more likely to rely on public welfare programs upon arrivalin the United States. This policy builds on existing public chargeprovisions in immigration law, which have been expanded under the currentadministration to encompass a wider array of benefits and disqualifyingfactors.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi confirmed thatIslamabad has taken note of the announcement and initiated contact with UScounterparts to obtain detailed clarification on the scope, duration, andimplications of the suspension. He characterized the development as aninternal US policy review process, underscoring that it is evolving andunder active monitoring by Pakistani diplomats.
The list of affected countries spans diverse regions, encompassing nationsfrom South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and EasternEurope. Prominent inclusions alongside Pakistan are Afghanistan,Bangladesh, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, and Yemen.Notably, the suspension applies exclusively to immigrant visas, such asthose for family reunification or employment-based permanent residency, anddoes not impact non-immigrant categories including tourist, student, orbusiness visas.
This distinction provides some relief, particularly as the United Statesprepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is anticipated to generatesubstantial demand for temporary visitor visas. Applicants from the listedcountries can still schedule interviews and submit applications, but noimmigrant visas will be issued during the pause period, creatinguncertainty for those awaiting final approvals.
The public charge rationale has been a cornerstone of the Trumpadministration’s immigration strategy since its earlier term, whendefinitions of dependency on government assistance were broadened. Recentdirectives have intensified scrutiny, directing consular officers to denyvisas where there is perceived risk of future reliance on public resources,including non-cash benefits previously excluded from consideration.
Critics of the policy argue that the blanket suspension stigmatizes entirenationalities without individualized assessments, potentially disruptinglegitimate family ties and economic contributions from immigrants.Supporters, however, maintain that the measure protects American taxpayersand ensures that newcomers demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, aligningwith longstanding statutory requirements under the Immigration andNationality Act.
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For Pakistan, the suspension affects thousands of citizens who pursueimmigrant pathways annually, including family-sponsored green cards andemployment-based options. The decision arrives amid ongoing bilateralcooperation on economic, security, and regional matters, highlighting thecomplex interplay between domestic US policy priorities and internationaldiplomatic relations.
The Foreign Office has reiterated its understanding that the pause istemporary, tied to the ongoing internal review, and expressed optimism thatnormal visa processing will resume once the assessment concludes. Pakistaniofficials continue to engage constructively with their US counterparts tomitigate impacts on affected nationals.
As the January 21 effective date approaches, prospective immigrants fromthe 75 countries face prolonged delays, prompting calls for clear timelinesand potential exemptions. The development underscores the administration’scommitment to stringent immigration controls while raising questions aboutits long-term effects on global mobility and bilateral ties.Immigrant Visas
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