WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has announced a sweeping pause on visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, according to a statement issued by a spokesperson for the US State Department on Wednesday. The move, first reported by Fox News citing an internal State Department memo, is expected to take effect from January 21.
While the State Department did not provide detailed explanations for the decision, the memo reportedly instructs US embassies and consulates to refuse visa applications under existing legal provisions as the department undertakes a broad review of its visa screening and processing procedures. No timeline has been given for when normal processing might resume.
Countries reportedly affected by the suspension include Somalia, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, Yemen, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria and Thailand, among others. The scope of the pause suggests one of the most extensive restrictions on visa processing in recent years.
The decision comes amid a wider immigration crackdown pursued by President Donald Trump since returning to office in January. His administration has repeatedly emphasized stricter border controls and tougher immigration policies as central priorities.
In November, President Trump had pledged to “permanently pause” migration from what he described as “Third World Countries” following a shooting near the White House. The attack, carried out by an Afghan national, resulted in the death of a National Guard member and intensified calls within the administration for tighter immigration controls.
The latest visa suspension is likely to draw criticism from human rights groups and affected countries, while adding to uncertainty for students, workers and families awaiting US visas.
