ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikhhas described the recent suspension of immigrant visa issuances as atemporary pause rather than a permanent restriction affecting thousands ofPakistani applicants. In a recent Samaa TV interview the ambassadorstressed that the measure effective from January 21 2026 targets high-riskpublic charge concerns but does not reflect any broader negative shift inUS policy toward Pakistanis. He expressed confidence that diplomaticengagements would lead to an amicable and prompt resolution allowing normalprocessing to resume soon amid growing concerns among families awaitinggreen cards.
The US Department of State announced the indefinite pause on immigrantvisas for nationals of 75 countries including Pakistan citing the need toreassess vetting procedures to prevent reliance on public benefits.Applicants can still submit petitions attend interviews and completedocumentation but no visas are being issued during this period.Non-immigrant visas for tourism education and temporary work remain fullyoperational ensuring that events like the 2026 World Cup face nodisruptions for Pakistani visitors or participants.
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh revealed that the Pakistani Embassy inWashington has intensified contacts with the US State Department and otherimmigration authorities following the announcement. These engagements aimto provide detailed assurances on Pakistani nationals’ profiles and toaddress specific concerns related to public charge risks. The ambassadornoted that embassy staff are maintaining close coordination to facilitatedata sharing and policy clarifications emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment tocooperative resolution of the issue.
The US administration holds a positive view of Pakistani immigrantsaccording to the ambassador highlighting historical context wherePakistanis were exempted from mass deportation actions that impactedindividuals from 39 other countries. This perspective underscores the lowincidence of public benefit dependency among the Pakistani diasporacompared to other nationalities reinforcing arguments for a swift liftingof the pause. Ambassador Sheikh pointed to the strong contributions ofPakistani Americans in various sectors as evidence supporting continuedfavorable treatment.
In a parallel diplomatic development Pakistan’s Interior Minister MohsinNaqvi recently met with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad aspart of ongoing high-level exchanges. The meeting focused on enhancingbilateral collaboration in security law enforcement and related areasthough sources indicate discussions also touched on broader immigrationmatters amid the visa pause. Such interactions demonstrate Pakistan’smultifaceted engagement with the US to maintain constructive ties despitethe temporary immigration hurdle.
The pause has created significant hardships for Pakistani families withapproved petitions facing indefinite delays in family reunification andpermanent residency. Many applicants who have invested time and resourcesnow grapple with uncertainty affecting life plans education and employmentopportunities in the United States. Community organizations have reportedincreased inquiries and emotional distress among those in limbo urgingaccelerated diplomatic interventions.
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Diplomatic observers note that similar past restrictions have been adjustedthrough bilateral dialogue often within months following reassessments.Pakistan’s proactive approach including ambassadorial outreach andministerial-level meetings positions the country favorably for an earlyresolution. The Foreign Office has described the measure as an internal USpolicy review expressing hope for routine immigrant visa processing toresume without prolonged disruption.
Affected applicants are encouraged to stay updated through officialchannels including the US Embassy in Pakistan and the State Department’svisa information pages. Immigration consultants advise exploring interimoptions such as non-immigrant visa pathways or status adjustments for thosealready in the US while awaiting policy updates. The situation remainsfluid with no fixed timeline provided by US authorities for ending thepause.
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