A memo released by the Department of State (DOS) has instructed consular officers to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, starting January 21 2025.
The reasoning presented is to allow time for the DOS to reassess vetting procedures that aim to prevent people from moving to the U.S. if it looks like they will become a public charge, meaning they are unable to support themselves financially and will instead need to rely on the government for money, food, or medical care.
Countries on the Immigration Pause List
Africa & Middle East
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Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt
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Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea
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Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya
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Morocco, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal
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Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria
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Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Yemen
Americas & Caribbean
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Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize
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Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada
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Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua
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Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay
Asia & Pacific
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Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia
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Fiji, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia
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Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan
Europe & Eurasia
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Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia
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Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia
While 75 nations are affected globally, Africa and the Middle East have the highest number of impacted countries at 30 countries, followed by the Americas and the Caribbean with 17.
The suspension is followed by Presidential Proclamation 10998 and an accompanying White House Fact Sheet issued in December 2025, in which the administration states that many of the listed countries exhibit “demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing.”
Federal law already requires those seeking green cards to prove they won’t become a public charge; however, the scope of what encompasses a public charge has widened to include the long-term potential for an applicant to require subsidized healthcare or public assistance due to chronic health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, or heart disease
Policy experts have suggested the freeze may be a tool for political maneuvering rather than a response to legitimate security deficiencies, as some of the named countries maintain robust partnerships and sophisticated vetting systems.
Does This Impact Nonimmigrant Visas?
This pause specifically targets immigrant visas. It does not mention a suspension of non-immigrant visas like the tourism or student visas in this particular memo.
How Will The Puase Impact Interviews and Applications?
The Department of State has confirmed that individuals may continue to submit applications and attend interviews, but immigrant visas will not be issued during the pause.
How Long Will the Pause Last?
The timeline is unknown, as the Department of State memo states the pause will remain indefinitely until vetting procedures are updated.