Why did the US administration suspend visa processing for 75 countries? This development a few days after the Trump administration cancelled 100,000 visas for students, tourists, and others.
On Wednesday, the Trump administration ordered suspension of all visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. The internal State Department memo notified the plan and it will take effect on January 21.
However, officials have not provided detailed public justification for the decision. This development comes in the wake of anticipated US strikes on Iran and tension with Europe on Greenland.
The memo instructs US embassies and consulates to refuse visa applications under existing law while the department reassesses its procedures. As a result, thousands of prospective travelers, students, and workers now face uncertainty about their applications.
Countries reportedly affected by the pause include Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, and Thailand, among many others. Consequently, the move will have broad global implications, particularly for families seeking reunification and businesses that rely on international mobility. Diplomats in several regions have begun reviewing operational guidance as they prepare to implement the directive.
Policy shift deepens immigration crackdown
The reported suspension aligns with the sweeping immigration crackdown pursued by Republican President Donald Trump since taking office last January. The administration has repeatedly argued that stricter controls are necessary to protect national security and strengthen enforcement.
In November, Trump vowed to “permanently pause” migration from what he called “Third World Countries” after a shooting near the White House by an Afghan national that killed a National Guard member. Therefore, analysts view the visa pause as part of a broader political and security-driven strategy rather than an isolated administrative step.
At the same time, critics warn that the lack of transparency and the broad scope of the suspension could damage US credibility and strain diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, affected applicants must now wait for further guidance as the State Department reviews its policies.
