Published on
January 15, 2026
For thousands of families currently in the middle of the long, arduous process of moving to the United States, Wednesday brought news that many had dreaded. The State Department, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, issued a directive to pause immigrant visa (IV) processing for nearly half the world’s nations.
The administration’s rationale is centered on the “public charge” provision—a long-standing but recently tightened rule designed to ensure that new arrivals do not rely on public assistance. By freezing these applications, the government aims to overhaul screening procedures to prevent what it calls the “extraction of wealth” from the American people.
Which Countries are Affected?
The list of 75 nations spans every major continent, hitting particularly hard in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. While a complete official list is still being finalized for public release, internal memos and diplomatic sources have identified the following key nations:
- Americas: Brazil, Colombia, Haiti, Cuba, Bahamas, and Jamaica.
- Asia/Pacific: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Cambodia.
- Middle East/Africa: Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Somalia, and Yemen.
- Europe: Russia, Belarus, and Albania.
Notably, India is currently excluded from this specific freeze, though Indian nationals continue to face separate, heightened scrutiny regarding social media activity and financial vetting.
Who Is (and Isn’t) Impacted?
It is crucial to distinguish between different types of travel. This “freeze” is laser-focused on immigrant visas—those looking to move to the U.S. permanently to live with family or work.
- NOT Impacted: Tourist (B1/B2), student (F, M), and temporary business visas remain active. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the administration has emphasised that short-term visitors are still welcome, provided they pass existing vetting.
- HEAVILY Impacted: Family-based petitions (spouses, children, and parents) and employment-based green cards from the 75 listed countries are now at a standstill.
- The “Print” Rule: In a particularly strict move, consular officers have been told to refuse visas even if they were already approved but haven’t been printed yet.
The “Public Charge” Crackdown: More Than Just Income
The new vetting standards go beyond simple bank statements. Reports indicate that consular officers are being instructed to consider “holistic” factors that could predict future reliance on the state. This include:
- Health and Age: Older applicants or those with chronic health conditions (including being significantly overweight) may face higher hurdles.
- English Proficiency: Ability to communicate in English is being used as a metric for economic viability.
- Past Assistance: Any history of using government aid, even in the applicant’s home country, could be a disqualifying factor.
A “Human” Perspective: Families in Limbo
Behind the policy headlines are real stories of separation. “We were just days away from my husband’s final interview in Brasilia,” says Maria, a U.S. citizen. “We’ve spent three years and thousands of dollars, and now, we have no idea when—or if—he can join me.”
For many, the freeze feels like a moving goalpost. While the administration frames this as “putting America first,” critics and immigration advocates argue that it punishes legal immigrants who have followed every rule. They warn that the move could lead to a massive backlog that will take years to clear once the “pause” is eventually lifted.
What Should You Do Now?
If you are a national of one of the 75 countries or are currently sponsoring a family member from one, here is the current guidance:
Do Not Panic, But Stay Informed: Monitor the official website of your local U.S. Embassy. They will post country-specific instructions as the January 21 deadline approaches.
Seek Legal Counsel: If you have an active case, consult with an immigration attorney. Some applicants may be eligible for “national interest” waivers, though these are expected to be rare.
Check Dual Nationality: If you hold a passport from a country not on the list (for example, a Brazilian national who also holds an Italian passport), you may be exempt from the freeze.
Conclusion: A Fluid Situation
The 2026 visa freeze is likely the most impactful U.S. immigration policy change in decades. The government states this change is meant to protect the U.S. economy. However, the first order consequences on the global economy, travel, family, and remittances are already being felt.
