January 15, 2026
The United States has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran and Thailand. The move, effective from 21 January, is the latest measure by President Donald Trump’s administration to address immigration related issues in the country. The US State Department stated that the pause was introduced over concerns that the immigrants would rely on public assistance in the future. Non-immigrant, temporary tourist and business visas remain unaffected. The policy will also not affect current immigration visas.