Empire State Review Contributor 
On January 21, 2026, a significant change to U.S. immigration policy was implemented by the Department of State, affecting immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries. This pause is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to review and strengthen immigration policies, with a particular focus on public-benefits regulations and national security concerns. The new rules temporarily halt the processing of immigrant visas for applicants from these countries, which span across a wide range of regions, from Asia to Africa and parts of Europe. The policy change has drawn attention from immigration experts and legal analysts, as it has the potential to impact thousands of individuals who are seeking to apply for permanent residency in the United States.
Although consular officers will still schedule interviews for applicants from the affected countries, the approval and issuance of immigrant visas will be temporarily suspended. This suspension is a result of the U.S. government’s decision to re-evaluate its vetting procedures and assess how well they align with current security standards and public-benefits requirements. Immigrants seeking to enter the U.S. for long-term stays may experience significant delays as a result of the suspension, as officials review and potentially revise the criteria used to grant visas. This delay could affect not only those applying for visas in the immediate future but also families who are in the process of navigating the complex immigration system.
One important aspect of the new rules is that dual nationals, or individuals who hold citizenship in a country that is not included in the affected list, are exempt from the visa processing pause. These individuals can continue with their visa applications without experiencing any delays or disruptions. This exception is particularly important for those who may have multiple citizenships, as it allows them to continue with the visa process despite the broader suspension for residents of certain countries.
The U.S. government has stated that the pause is primarily designed to enhance security measures and ensure greater compliance with immigration regulations, particularly those surrounding the public charge rule. This rule is aimed at limiting access to public benefits for immigrants, with the goal of ensuring that individuals entering the country will not become dependent on government assistance. The review of vetting procedures also reflects ongoing concerns about national security and the need to maintain robust safeguards in the immigration process.
For those impacted by the changes, the pause in processing adds another layer of uncertainty to an already complex and sometimes unpredictable immigration system. Applicants and their families are advised to closely monitor official U.S. government channels, such as the Department of State website, for updates on the status of their visa applications and any procedural changes. While the government has not provided a specific timeline for how long the pause will last, it is clear that this is part of a broader effort to examine and possibly revise existing immigration procedures.
The suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries highlights the shifting landscape of U.S. immigration policy and the government’s continued focus on security and regulatory compliance. As this review unfolds, there are bound to be broader implications for future immigration applicants, both in terms of visa processing times and eligibility requirements. This policy shift is a reminder of the complexities of the immigration system and the ongoing changes that individuals seeking to live and work in the United States must navigate. For many, the uncertainty surrounding the visa process will require patience, adaptability, and close attention to updates from U.S. authorities as they adjust to these evolving rules.
