The US has announced a pause on issuing immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries, citing public welfare concerns. Non-immigrant visas remain unaffected.
File image: US President Donald Trump addresses a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence at Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo: X/@WhiteHouse/Videograb)
The United States has announced a temporary halt on issuing immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries, including Pakistan, as part of a review focused on the use of public welfare benefits.
The decision was confirmed on Wednesday (local time) by the US Department of State. Officials said the pause follows a policy review ordered by Donald Trump, who has repeatedly argued that immigrants should be financially independent and not rely on government support.
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The updated policy, titled Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage, was last revised on January 14. It will come into effect from January 21, 2026.
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“President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans,” the State Department said.
It added that a comprehensive review of current rules and guidance is underway to ensure immigrants from identified countries do not become a “public charge” in the US.
Under the new directive, applicants from the listed countries, which include Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Russia, Bangladesh, Sudan, Syria, Somalia, and Yemen, can still submit applications and attend scheduled interviews.
However, no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause.
The State Department clarified that immigrant visas already granted will remain valid. It also noted that decisions on entry into the United States fall under the jurisdiction of the US Department of Homeland Security.
Importantly, the restriction applies only to immigrant visas. Non-immigrant categories, such as tourist and business visas, are not affected.
The move was first reported by Fox News, which linked it to a broader crackdown on immigrants considered likely to depend on public assistance.
In US immigration law, the term “public charge” is used to judge whether a non-citizen is likely to depend mainly on government support. The assessment can play a role in deciding whether someone is allowed to enter the country or qualify for permanent residency.
According to Fox News, a State Department cable sent to embassies and consulates worldwide in November 2025 asked officers to widen checks under the public charge rule. The guidance said officers should look at factors such as an applicant’s age, health, financial position, English language ability and the possible need for long-term medical care.
The latest step aligns with the Trump administration’s long-standing hardline approach on immigration.
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