US suspends immigrant visas from 75 countries in sweeping policy move

US suspends immigrant visas from 75 countries in sweeping policy move

In a controversial move that has drawn global attention, the United States announced on Wednesday that it is suspending immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries. The decision, part of the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown on immigration, is framed as an effort to prevent “welfare abuse” and misuse of America’s immigration system.

While the policy does not apply to tourist, business, or temporary visas, including those for World Cup visitors, it marks a significant expansion of the administration’s restrictionist approach.

US freezes all visa processing for 75 countries, including Somalia, Russia, Iranhttps://t.co/EAFsAcsATz

Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 14, 2026

Nations affected and exclusions

The suspension affects countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Among those included are Somalia, Nigeria, Iran, Russia, Iraq, Egypt, Brazil, Yemen, and Thailand. South Africa, however, is not on the list.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the pause is intended to allow the department to reassess immigration procedures, particularly to prevent entry of foreign nationals “who would take welfare and public benefits.”

Trump’s administration has also recently revoked over 100,000 visas in a single year, a record, while deportations and voluntary departures have affected millions, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Controversy and public reaction

The decision has ignited strong reactions, both domestically and internationally. Critics have pointed to Trump’s history of inflammatory remarks about certain immigrant communities, particularly Somalis, whom he has described in derogatory terms. Some social media users and human rights advocates have labeled the policy discriminatory, arguing it disproportionately affects non-European countries.

Supporters, however, frame the move as a necessary measure to safeguard US resources and ensure that immigration is aligned with economic self-sufficiency. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the pause as a temporary measure while the State Department strengthens vetting procedures.

How the suspension works

The visa suspension applies specifically to immigrant visas, which are intended for individuals seeking permanent residence. Non-immigrant visas for tourism, business, or sporting events remain unaffected, although applicants will now undergo additional vetting, including reviews of social media activity.

Experts warn that the policy could complicate family reunifications and work-based migration, particularly for citizens of the affected countries. Legal challenges are expected, as advocacy groups argue the suspension violates international norms and US constitutional protections.

The global ripple effect

This decision is likely to impact diplomatic relations and economic exchanges with the affected nations. Countries like Brazil, Egypt, and Thailand, which maintain friendly ties with the US, have been surprised by their inclusion, prompting concerns about potential retaliation or delays in trade and international cooperation.

For now, South Africans and other citizens not on the list remain unaffected. But the broader message is clear: the US immigration landscape under Trump continues to tighten, with sweeping policy changes that ripple far beyond American borders.

Full list of countries affected: 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, Yemen.

{Source: The South African}

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