State Department to Pause Visa Processing for 75 Countries

The Wall Street JournalWednesday, January 14, 2026 at 8:19:00 PM
State Department to Pause Visa Processing for 75 Countries
  • The U.S. State Department has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for individuals from 75 countries, a move aligned with the Trump administration's efforts to restrict immigration from low-income nations. This decision is set to take effect on January 21, 2026, and is part of a broader strategy to limit legal immigration pathways to the U.S.
  • This suspension is significant as it directly impacts thousands of potential immigrants from the affected countries, hindering their opportunities for legal entry into the U.S. and potentially exacerbating humanitarian crises in their home countries.
  • The decision reflects ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration policy, characterized by a series of measures aimed at reducing the foreign-born population and limiting asylum opportunities. This trend has raised concerns among immigrant advocates and some political factions, highlighting the contentious nature of immigration reform in the U.S.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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