US Freezes Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries: Everything You Need to Know

The landscape of global travel and immigration just shifted in a massive way. In a move that has left thousands of families and aspiring immigrants in a state of shock, the United States government has announced an indefinite freeze on immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 different countries. This sweeping directive, set to take effect on January 21, 2026, targets nations across the globe, including major players like Russia, Iran, and Thailand.

​For many, this news feels like a sudden door being slammed shut. Whether you are a professional looking to relocate, a family member waiting to reunite with loved ones, or an observer of global politics, understanding the "why" and "how" of this decision is crucial. This is not just a minor policy update; it is one of the most significant changes to American immigration enforcement in recent history.

​The Logic Behind the Freeze: The Public Charge Rule

​The primary reason given by the US State Department for this drastic measure is a concern over "public charges." In simple terms, the administration wants to ensure that new immigrants coming into the United States are financially self-sufficient. They are looking to prevent the entry of individuals who might rely on government welfare programs, such as Medicaid or food assistance, shortly after their arrival.

​The government has stated that the pause will remain in place while they reassess their screening and vetting procedures. They want to create a system where consular officers have more power to deny visas based on an applicant’s age, health, financial status, and even English proficiency. By freezing applications from these 75 countries, the State Department aims to "protect the American taxpayer" from what they describe as an unacceptable rate of welfare usage among certain migrant groups.

​Which Countries Are on the List?

​While the full list of 75 countries is extensive, several key nations have been highlighted due to their high volume of applicants and strategic importance. The freeze includes a diverse mix of countries from Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America.

• ​Russia and Iran: These nations are frequently at the center of US geopolitical tensions. While the official reason is based on economic self-sufficiency, the inclusion of these countries carries significant political weight.

• ​Thailand and Vietnam: These Southeast Asian nations have seen a steady stream of immigrants to the US over the years. Their inclusion on the list came as a surprise to many who viewed them as stable partners.

• ​Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal: A large portion of South Asia is affected by this freeze, causing widespread concern among the diaspora communities living in the US.

• ​Brazil and Colombia: Major South American nations are also feeling the impact, signaling that this policy is not restricted to any one specific region.

• ​Somalia and Afghanistan: These countries have been under intense scrutiny for some time, particularly following security incidents and fraud investigations related to public benefits.

​What Does This Mean for Immigrant Visas?

​It is important to distinguish between different types of visas. This specific freeze applies strictly to immigrant visas. These are the visas issued to people who intend to live and work in the United States permanently—often referred to as getting a "Green Card."

​If you are currently in the middle of a family-sponsored or employment-based immigrant visa process in one of the 75 affected countries, your case is likely on hold. While embassies may still conduct interviews in some cases, no actual visas will be issued starting January 21. This "indefinite pause" means there is currently no set date for when processing will resume, leaving thousands in a legal limbo.

​The Status of Tourist, Student, and Work Visas

​There is a small silver lining for those traveling for shorter periods. The US government has clarified that non-immigrant visas are not part of this specific freeze. This includes:

• ​B1/B2 Visas: Temporary travel for tourism or business is still allowed.

• ​F1 Visas: International students planning to study at American universities can still apply.

• ​H-1B and L1 Visas: High-skilled work visas are generally not included in this 75-country pause, as these applicants are by definition employed and unlikely to become public charges.

​However, even though these categories are technically exempt, applicants should still expect "trickle-down" delays. As consular resources are shifted to handle the new vetting procedures for the 75 countries, wait times for all visa types are likely to increase.

​Why India and China Were Left Off the List

​One of the most talked-about aspects of this announcement is the absence of India and China from the list of 75 countries. Despite having the largest numbers of immigrants and visa applicants, these two nations remain unaffected by the freeze.

​The reasoning appears to be economic. The current administration has emphasized a desire to attract "high-skilled" labor, particularly in sectors like technology, defense, and healthcare. Since a vast majority of Indian and Chinese immigrants come through employment-based pathways or as high-paying international students, the government does not view them as a "public charge" risk in the same way it views applicants from the listed 75 nations. This has caused some internal debate within the US, with some political factions arguing that the list should be even broader.

​The Human Impact: Families Divided

​Behind the technical terms like "vetting" and "public charge" are real human stories. For many families, this freeze means that a mother might not be able to join her children in the US, or a spouse might be stuck abroad for several more years.

​The timing is particularly difficult given the global economic climate. Many people have already sold their homes, quit their jobs, or pulled their children out of school in anticipation of a move that is now blocked. The psychological toll of an "indefinite" delay is heavy, as it prevents people from making any concrete plans for their future.

​What Should Affected Applicants Do Now?

​If you are a citizen of one of the 75 affected countries, the most important thing to do is stay informed through official channels. Here are a few steps you can take:

• ​Check Official Memo Updates: The State Department will likely release more specific guidance as the January 21 deadline approaches.

• ​Consult Legal Experts: Immigration law is changing rapidly. Talking to an attorney who understands the nuances of the "public charge" rule can help you understand if you have any alternative pathways.

• ​Do Not Travel Unnecessarily: If you are already in the US on a temporary visa from one of these countries and have a pending green card application, avoid international travel. Re-entry could become much more complicated under the new vetting rules.

​A New Era of "Vetting"

​This move signals a broader shift in how the United States views its borders. The focus has moved from simply "who is a security threat" to "who is an economic asset." By using the public charge rule as a filter, the government is effectively creating an entry system based on financial wealth and professional skills.

​Whether this policy survives legal challenges in US courts remains to be seen. Historically, such sweeping executive actions are met with lawsuits from civil rights groups and immigration advocates. For now, however, the "indefinite pause" is the new reality for a significant portion of the world.