The Border Lockdown: Full list of the 75 countries hit by the Trump administration’s massive US visa pause.

List of 75 Countries Affected by New US Immigrant Visa Suspension Released

The geopolitical landscape of international travel has shifted overnight. Effective January 21, 2026, the United States Department of State is implementing an indefinite US visa pause for immigrant visa processing from 75 specific nations. This decision is rooted in a reassessment of the “public charge” rule, with the Trump administration claiming that migrants from these regions pose an unacceptable risk of relying on government welfare.

The Complete List of 75 Countries Under the US Visa Pause

The following countries are subject to the new immigrant visa processing freeze. While you may still attend scheduled interviews, no new immigrant visas will be issued to nationals of these countries during the review period.

Region	Countries Affected
South & Central Asia	Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Uzbekistan
Middle East & North Africa	Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen
Sub-Saharan Africa	Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda
Europe & Eurasia	Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia
Americas & Caribbean	Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay
East Asia & Pacific	Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Fiji, Laos, Thailand

Why the US Visa Pause Focuses on Welfare Risks

The administration has justified this US visa pause by stating that new arrivals from these specific regions often extract wealth from the American people. Under the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the department is conducting a “top-to-bottom” review of vetting procedures.

The goal is to ensure that every future immigrant is financially self-sufficient. This includes a mandatory review of an applicant’s age, health, family status, assets, and even English proficiency.

Vetting Criteria During the Review

Factor	Description	New Standard
Financial Status	Past and current use of public aid.	Strict Denial for Benefit Use
Language Skills	English proficiency assessment.	Interviews Conducted in English
Health & Age	Ability to work without aid.	Heavy Scrutiny on Dependents
Sponsorship	Affidavit of Support validity.	Increased Sponsor Liability

Impact on Families and the 2026 World Cup

While the US visa pause is sweeping, it currently only applies to immigrant visas (green cards). Non-immigrant visas, such as those for tourists, business travelers, and students, remain open for processing. State Department officials have specifically noted that travel for major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics should not be blocked by this specific order.

However, for families waiting to reunite in the United States, the impact is devastating. Indefinite delays are expected for those waiting on spouse, parent, or sibling visas from the listed nations.

Conclusion

The 2026 US visa pause is a landmark moment in “America First” immigration policy. By halting the legal intake of residents from over a third of the world’s nations, the administration is prioritizing fiscal protection over global mobility. Whether this review lasts weeks or months will depend on how quickly the new screening protocols are finalized.

Will this pause affect my current valid visa?

No, the State Department has confirmed that no existing visas have been revoked as part of this specific guidance.

Why is the US visa pause indefinite?

The freeze will remain active until the State Department completes a comprehensive reassessment of its screening and vetting procedures.

Does this affect Indians living in the US?

No, India is not on the list of 75 countries. However, Indian citizens may still face general tightening of the public charge rules.

Can I still attend my scheduled visa interview?

While you can attend interviews, no immigrant visas will be issued for affected nationals starting January 21, 2026

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