ISLAMABAD: The United States has imposed a sweeping suspension on immigrantvisa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan,effective January 21, 2026. This dramatic measure, announced by the StateDepartment, has raised serious questions about the true depth of bilateralrelations between Islamabad and Washington. Senior journalist Najam Sethihighlighted the irony, noting that while Pakistan enjoys what he describedas unprecedented exemplary relations with the United States, the countryremains unable to secure removal from restrictive lists affecting itscitizens’ migration prospects. The decision, rooted in concerns overpotential public charge burdens, creates uncertainty for thousands ofPakistani families seeking permanent residency through familyreunification, employment, or other channels. This development comes at atime when diplomatic engagements, including high-level militaryinteractions, have been portrayed as exceptionally strong.
The suspension targets a diverse array of nations spanning Asia, Africa,Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe. Official lists released throughmultiple reports confirm Pakistan’s inclusion alongside countries such asAfghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, and Yemen.The State Department justified the pause by invoking long-standingauthority under immigration law to prevent entrants likely to rely onpublic benefits, describing it as a safeguard against exploitation ofAmerican generosity. Data from recent years indicate that a significantportion of asylum-related fraud cases and visa revocations originate fromthese nations, prompting the administration to undertake a comprehensivereview of vetting procedures. The move builds on earlier restrictions,reflecting a broader policy shift toward stricter immigration controls.
Despite the optimistic rhetoric surrounding Pakistan-US ties, the visafreeze underscores persistent structural challenges in bilateralcooperation on migration issues. Najam Sethi pointed out that even withimproved strategic alignment, including repeated engagements betweenPakistani military leadership and US officials, Islamabad has failed tonegotiate an exemption or delisting for its citizens. This situationcontrasts sharply with expectations that close partnerships would translateinto tangible relief in areas like visa access. Analysts note that theinclusion of relatively stable or prosperous countries like Kuwait,Thailand, and Bhutan on the list suggests criteria focused primarily onstatistical risks of public assistance usage rather than solely on securityor diplomatic standing.
The policy’s impact on Pakistan is particularly acute given the largediaspora community in the United States. Family-based immigrant visas, aprimary pathway for many Pakistanis, now face indefinite delays, disruptingreunification plans and long-term settlement aspirations. State Departmentfigures reveal that thousands of applications from affected countries,including Pakistan, are currently in limbo, with no immediate timeline forresumption. The suspension does not extend to nonimmigrant visas such astourist or business categories, preserving temporary travel options.However, for those pursuing permanent residency, the measure represents amajor setback, potentially affecting economic contributions from skilledprofessionals and family members already integrated into American society.
Observers have expressed surprise at the breadth of the suspension, whichaffects nearly half of all legal immigrants projected to enter the UnitedStates in the coming year. Estimates suggest that around 315,000 potentialimmigrants could be turned away annually under this policy. The decisionfollows a November 2025 directive instructing consular officers to enforcerigorous public charge assessments, emphasizing financial self-sufficiency.While previous administrations have implemented targeted pauses, thecurrent scale—covering 75 nations—is described as unprecedented in scopeand ambition. This approach aligns with the administration’s ongoingemphasis on national security, economic protection, and immigration reform.
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In Pakistan, the announcement has sparked discussions about diplomaticstrategies to address such restrictions. Despite claims of exemplaryrelations, the inability to influence this outcome highlights limitationsin leveraging strategic partnerships for consular benefits. Seniorjournalist Najam Sethi emphasized that historical precedents show evenstrong alliances do not always prevent inclusion in broad immigrationcontrols. The situation may prompt renewed advocacy efforts by Pakistaniauthorities, including through bilateral dialogues or multilateral forums,to seek individualized assessments or phased reinstatements.
The broader implications extend to global migration patterns, as affectedcountries represent diverse regions with varying levels of development andties to the United States. Critics argue that blanket suspensions overlookindividual circumstances and could strain relations with key partners.Supporters view it as a necessary step to prioritize American resourcesamid domestic debates over welfare and immigration. As the review processunfolds, affected nationals await clarity on potential resumption dates ormodifications.
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