Trump suspends immigrant visas for 75 countries: Who's affected?

"United States authorities have said they will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries. The suspension will take effect on January 21 and will affect applicants from Latin America and the Caribbean, the Balkans, and several countries in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The change only affects people who want to move to the US permanently. It does not apply to visitors or short-term visa holders."

"The State Department said it had told US consulates to stop processing immigrant visa applications from the affected countries. The move follows a broader order issued in November that tightened checks on potential immigrants who could become a financial burden on the US. Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits."

"According to the State Department, nationals of the affected countries may still submit immigrant visa applications, but no immigrant visas will be approved or issued while the pause is in place. The US government has not indicated any deadline for when the suspension might be lifted. An exception applies to dual nationals who apply using a valid passport from a country not included in the suspension."

Immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries will be suspended starting January 21. The pause affects applicants from Latin America and the Caribbean, the Balkans, and several countries in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The change applies only to people seeking permanent relocation and does not apply to visitors or short-term visa holders. The State Department instructed US consulates to stop processing immigrant visa applications from the affected countries while it reassesses procedures to prevent entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits. Nationals may still submit applications but no immigrant visas will be approved or issued. No deadline for lifting the suspension has been indicated. Dual nationals may apply using a valid passport from a non-suspended country.

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