US Halts Immigrant Visas For 75 Countries, Big Impact

• What’s Happening?
The United States government has announced a major shift in its immigration policy by indefinitely suspending immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This decision directly affects applicants who were planning to move permanently to the US. Many of them may now see their applications delayed, paused, or even refused until further notice, creating uncertainty around long-term plans.

• Which Countries Are Affected?
The list of affected nations is spread across several regions including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia, Iran, Nigeria, Brazil, Syria, and Thailand are among those impacted. These countries have very different migration links with the US, which is why the wide scope of the decision has surprised many observers.

• Why Is This Happening?
According to officials, the visa freeze is meant to reassess existing immigration procedures and place greater focus on applicants who are financially stable and less likely to depend on government support after arriving in the US. Critics, however, believe the move reflects a tougher stance on legal immigration and could block genuine applicants, including families and skilled professionals.

• What Visas Are Affected?
Only immigrant visas are included in this suspension. These visas are meant for people who wish to settle permanently in the US, such as through family sponsorship or employment-based routes. Non-immigrant visas like tourist, student, and business visas are not part of the freeze, meaning short-term travel to the US will continue as usual.

• India and Other Reactions
India is not included in the list of 75 affected countries, which has sparked discussion and debate. Many had expected India to be part of the announcement, and its exclusion has raised questions about how the list was finalised and what criteria were used.

• What It Means for Applicants
Applicants from affected countries may now have to wait and see how the policy develops, seek legal advice for alternative immigration options, or explore migration opportunities in other countries. Staying updated and informed will be important in the coming months.

• Broader Context
This decision adds to earlier immigration changes by the US government and marks one of the largest pauses on legal immigration pathways in recent years. Its long-term impact on global migration and families hoping to move abroad will become clearer with time.