United States Suspends Visa for Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia, Brazil and More
In a major move reflecting its hardline immigration stance, the administration of US President Donald Trump has reportedly decided to temporarily suspend visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Russia and Iran. According to a report by Fox News, the suspension will come into effect from January 21 and is expected to remain in place indefinitely, pending a comprehensive review of the visa system.
The report cites an internal directive issued by the US State Department, instructing American embassies and consulates worldwide not to issue visas under existing laws until a reassessment of screening and evaluation procedures is completed. The move is aimed at tightening scrutiny of applicants as part of broader efforts to overhaul the immigration process.
In addition to Russia and Iran, countries reportedly affected by the suspension include Somalia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, Egypt, and Yemen, among others. The full list of 75 nations has not been officially released.
Trump Administration Temporarily Suspends US Visa Processing for Citizens of 75 Countries
As of now, the US State Department has not issued an official statement confirming or denying the report, and details regarding the duration of the suspension remain unclear. It is also not specified whether the pause applies to all visa categories or only certain types.
The decision is widely seen as an extension of the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies, which prioritise enhanced vetting and national security concerns. Supporters argue the move is necessary to ensure the integrity of the immigration system, while critics warn it could disrupt travel, family reunification, and diplomatic relations.
With the suspension set to begin next week, affected applicants across multiple regions are left facing uncertainty as they await further clarification from US authorities.
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