US suspends immigrant visa processing for 75 countries in unprecedented move

Bibliography

1. https://www.ndtvprofit.com/world/us-pauses-visa-processing-for-75-countries-pakistan-bangl… – Please view link – unable to able to access data
2. https://apnews.com/article/79909bd01e9e1e3dedde144f865a1b9d – On January 14, 2026, the U.S. State Department announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia. This decision, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is part of a broader policy to tighten immigration rules concerning potential “public charge” applicants—immigrants deemed likely to require U.S. government assistance. The suspension, effective January 21, does not affect temporary (non-immigrant) visas such as tourist or business visas, which may see increased demand ahead of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. This measure builds on a November directive that expanded criteria for assessing applicants, covering factors like age, health, finances, education, and English proficiency. The policy significantly restricts immigration from Africa, Asia, and Latin America and intensifies the vetting process, even though federal law already addresses public charge considerations. Immigrants must also continue to undergo medical examinations and disclose personal health histories. The administration justifies the policy as protection against exploitation of the welfare system and a step toward reforming U.S. immigration practices.
3. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/01/15/us-to-suspend-immigrant-visa-processing-for-pa… – The U.S. has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries, effective January 21, citing concerns that immigrants from these nations often rely on public welfare programmes. The State Department said the freeze will remain in place until authorities can ensure that new immigrants will not draw on American taxpayer resources. Officials described the measure as part of the administration’s “America First” approach. State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said in a statement that his department “will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.” The suspension could delay travel, study, and work plans for thousands of Pakistanis who annually seek US visas. Pakistani consulates in the US are expected to provide guidance to affected applicants in the coming days. The visa freeze is linked to the US public-charge rule, which evaluates whether immigrants are likely to rely on government assistance. While suspensions of visa services have occurred in the past, officials said the scope of this action is unprecedented. No timeline has been given for resuming visa services, but the State Department assured that countries would be notified once the review is complete.
4. https://www.visaverge.com/news/us-suspends-visa-processing-for-75-countries-beginning-janu… – The U.S. State Department has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This decision is part of a broader policy to tighten immigration rules concerning potential “public charge” applicants—immigrants deemed likely to require U.S. government assistance. The suspension affects a wide range of countries across multiple regions, including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. The suspension is intended to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would rely on welfare and public benefits, as part of the administration’s “America First” approach. The pause will remain in effect indefinitely until the State Department completes its reassessment of visa processing procedures.
5. https://apnews.com/article/4d5a4d07a4430dd1e1cf24511370bc0e – President Donald Trump has reinstated and expanded a travel ban affecting citizens of 12 countries—primarily in Africa and the Middle East—citing national security concerns. The countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. A more limited set of restrictions applies to citizens from seven additional countries, including Cuba, Laos, and Venezuela, targeting those without valid U.S. visas. The policy, enacted by executive order on January 20, 2025, followed a report on perceived “hostile attitudes” toward the U.S. and aims to protect against terrorism, visa overstays, and inadequate foreign vetting processes. Exemptions include green card holders, dual nationals, some athletes, people fleeing persecution, U.S. government employees abroad, asylum grantees, family visa applicants, and diplomats. Although similar to Trump’s controversial 2017 “Muslim ban,” this ban is broader and indefinite. Critics claim it promotes racial and religious discrimination, while supporters cite national security and immigration control. The State Department has instructed embassies not to revoke previously issued visas but to deny pending ones unless exemptions apply.
6. https://apnews.com/article/9f3a804633729b8c258d5c6eccd3424c – The Trump administration has halted all immigration benefit applications, including green cards and naturalizations, for people from 19 countries that were previously affected by travel bans earlier in the year. This action, outlined in a memo by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), follows the fatal shooting of a National Guard soldier by an Afghan national near the White House. The administration cited national security concerns, prompting a review of immigration processes. The affected nations include 12 countries with full travel bans such as Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, and Yemen, and seven others with restricted access like Cuba and Venezuela. Initially, the restrictions didn’t affect those already in the U.S., but now all immigrants from these countries—regardless of arrival time—will face increased scrutiny. USCIS plans to reevaluate all benefit requests and potentially involve law enforcement. The policy extends to pausing asylum decisions and halting visas for Afghans who aided the U.S. Other recent measures include reviewing refugee admissions under the Biden administration. Critics argue these steps equate to collective punishment of immigrants from the targeted nations.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 10

Notes:

The narrative is current, with the announcement made on January 14, 2026, and the suspension set to begin on January 21, 2026. No evidence of recycled or outdated content was found. (apnews.com)

Quotes check

Score: 10

Notes:

Direct quotes from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott are consistent across multiple reputable sources, indicating originality and no signs of reused content. (theguardian.com)

Source reliability

Score: 10

Notes:

The narrative originates from reputable sources, including the Associated Press and The Guardian, enhancing its credibility. (apnews.com)

Plausibility check

Score: 10

Notes:

The claims align with recent U.S. immigration policy trends and are corroborated by multiple reputable outlets, confirming their plausibility. (apnews.com)

Paywall check

Score: 10

Notes:

All referenced content is accessible without paywalls, ensuring transparency and ease of verification. (apnews.com)

Content type check

Score: 10

Notes:

The narrative is a factual news report, not an opinion piece or other distinctive content type, facilitating objective assessment. (apnews.com)

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS):PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH):HIGH

Summary:

The narrative is current, original, and corroborated by multiple reputable sources, with no signs of disinformation or recycled content. All claims are plausible and supported by accessible, verifiable information.

Indemnity Status: COVERED