The United States has temporarily halted the issuance of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Pakistan, as part of a sweeping review of immigration policy ordered by President Donald Trump. The suspension took effect on January 21, according to the United States Department of State.
In a statement released on Thursday, the State Department said the move is linked to an ongoing assessment of whether immigration pathways are aligned with the administration’s emphasis on economic self-reliance. Officials said the review aims to ensure that new permanent residents do not become dependent on public assistance programs in the United States.
As part of the policy, immigrant visa processing for applicants from countries identified as “high-risk” has been paused. While applicants may continue to file paperwork and appear for scheduled interviews, no immigrant visas — which grant permanent residency — will be issued until the review is completed.
The State Department said the pause will remain in place until authorities are satisfied that immigration screening mechanisms adequately prevent what it described as excessive reliance on welfare benefits by incoming migrants. No specific timeline was provided for when visa issuance may resume.
Among the affected countries are Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Somalia, Russia, Brazil, and Thailand, along with dozens of others spanning Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America.
Officials clarified that the suspension does not apply to tourist, student, or other non-immigrant visas. Previously approved immigrant visas will also remain valid, and dual nationals applying with passports from countries not included in the list are exempt from the freeze.
The move reflects a broader tightening of US immigration policy under Trump’s second term. Since returning to office, the administration has reinstated and expanded enforcement of the “public charge” rule, a provision of US immigration law that allows officials to deny entry to individuals deemed likely to depend on government benefits.
Trump pursued similar measures during his first presidency, including travel restrictions on several Muslim-majority countries — policies that faced extensive legal challenges before being upheld in revised form and later overturned by former president Joe Biden.
The visa pause comes as immigration enforcement within the United States has also intensified. The agency Immigration and Customs Enforcement has expanded operations across multiple states, drawing public and political scrutiny. Tensions escalated last week after a US citizen, Renee Good, was fatally shot during a federal operation in Minneapolis, triggering protests and renewed debate over enforcement practices under the current administration.
