The Trump administration has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, marking one of the most sweeping restrictions on legal immigration pathways to the United States in recent years.

The policy, set to take effect on January 21, applies to immigrant visa applicants from nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. According to US officials, the move is aimed at preventing the entry of individuals deemed likely to become a “public charge” — a term used to describe immigrants who may rely on government assistance for basic living needs.

A State Department cable outlining the decision indicates that the suspension applies even to cases where visas have already been approved but not yet printed. In such situations, consular officers have been instructed to formally refuse the visa applications once the policy takes effect.

The list includes a diverse mix of countries, ranging from conflict-affected nations to long-standing US partners and countries with deep migration ties to the United States. Regions most affected include sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and parts of Eastern Europe.

Officials said limited exceptions would be granted in specific circumstances. These include cases involving dual nationals who hold valid passports from countries not included in the suspension, as well as applicants who can demonstrate that their travel serves an “America First” national interest. However, the criteria for such exemptions are expected to be applied narrowly.

The administration has framed the decision as part of a broader effort to reshape the US immigration system around economic self-sufficiency and national priorities. Supporters of the move argue it reinforces long-standing immigration rules designed to protect public resources and ensure that newcomers can support themselves financially.

Critics, however, have warned that the measure could disrupt families, humanitarian cases and legal migration channels, while also straining diplomatic relations with affected countries. Immigration advocates say the policy could disproportionately impact applicants from developing nations and regions already experiencing instability.

The suspension affects immigrant visas, which are typically issued to individuals seeking permanent residency, including family-sponsored immigrants, employment-based applicants and diversity visa recipients. Non-immigrant visas, such as tourist or student visas, were not explicitly included in the announcement, though further guidance is expected.

The countries affected include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Uganda, Yemen and dozens of others, reflecting the policy’s broad geographic reach.

The decision adds to a series of immigration restrictions introduced under the Trump administration, reinforcing a tougher stance on both legal and undocumented migration. As the policy comes into force, immigration lawyers and affected applicants are expected to closely scrutinise its implementation and potential legal challenges.

With visa processing halted indefinitely, thousands of applicants now face uncertainty about their prospects of relocating to the United States through lawful immigration channels.