BREAKING: U.S. freezes immigrant visas for 75 countries, starting next week
The State Department has ordered an immediate pause on immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. I have reviewed the instruction sent to posts today. It sets no end date. The agency says it needs time to review screening and public charge rules. Non immigrant visas remain open. Tourist, student, and business travel continues.
What changed and when it hits
The pause covers only immigrant visas. These are visas that lead to a green card. If you are applying for a spousal, parent, child, or employment based immigrant visa, your case will be put on hold if you are a national of one of the listed countries.
The start date is one week from today. That timing gives almost no runway to reschedule interviews or finalize documents. Consular posts have been instructed to stop scheduling new immigrant interviews and to hold most final decisions.
USCIS has also placed holds on related immigrant benefit decisions for affected nationals. That includes some pending green card cases in the United States. The agency may re review recent approvals tied to impacted nationalities.
Non immigrant visas are not affected. Do not cancel travel if you hold or seek a tourist, student, or work visa.
Who is affected
The list spans multiple regions. It includes countries such as Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, and Thailand. Dual nationals are likely to be treated as affected if they apply with the impacted passport. People with approved petitions will feel the pause at the consular stage.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can still file family petitions. USCIS can accept filings and issue receipts. The bottleneck will be at the interview and visa issuance stage abroad. Humanitarian and national interest exceptions are not defined yet. Posts are awaiting case by case guidance.
The legal logic, and why it will be tested
The administration is grounding this move in two tools. First, the public charge statute, which lets officials deny entry if an applicant is likely to rely on certain public benefits. Second, the executive branch’s broad control over visa screening and consular operations.
But there are limits. Immigration law bars discrimination in the issuance of immigrant visas based on nationality, except when another law allows it. Any pause that sweeps in nationals by country will face that test. Lawsuits will target the pause under the Administrative Procedure Act, arguing it is arbitrary, overbroad, and rushed without proper explanation.
Courts often avoid second guessing individual visa refusals. That is called consular nonreviewability. Even so, courts can review a policy that changes the rules for whole groups. Expect fast filings in federal court and urgent motions for injunctions.
What about sponsors and families
U.S. citizen sponsors do not have an absolute right to bring a relative at a set time. They do have process rights. Agencies must follow their own rules and give reasons for delays that stretch on. If holds become long or uneven, mandamus suits for unreasonable delay are likely.
Affidavits of Support will take center stage. The government will scrutinize income, assets, and household size. Some sponsors may be asked for joint sponsors or added proof. Past benefits used by eligible U.S. family members should not count against a foreign applicant, but confusion is likely. That is why clear guidance is urgent.
Beware of anyone who promises to bypass the pause for a fee. There is no back door. Follow official channels only.
What to do now
If you or your family are in the pipeline, act fast this week. Organize records. Meet deadlines you can still meet. Keep your status valid if you are in the United States.
- Keep filing. Submit I 130 or I 140 petitions and responses on time.
- Build your financial file. Gather tax returns, pay stubs, and asset proof for the Affidavit of Support.
- Ask for an expedite only if you have a strong, documented need.
- Update your contact info with NVC, USCIS, and the consulate.
- Contact your congressional office if a life threatening or military issue applies.
Save every notice, email, and receipt. If rules change, you will need a clean timeline to request relief or an expedite.
What happens next
State will publish the country list and limited exceptions. USCIS will outline which domestic cases are on hold, and which continue. Agencies will likely issue new public charge guidance, including what benefits count and what evidence is required. Courts may step in if the pause looks unlawful or too broad.
For now, plan for delays. Keep your case moving where you can. Do not make costly choices based on rumor. The government has triggered a sweeping, immigrant only pause. It will have real effects on families, employers, and communities. We will keep pressing for clarity, timelines, and lawful limits as this unfolds.
