Trump administration halts visa processing for 75 nations – Pakistan, Bangladesh among worst hit

The decision came through an internal memo circulated by the US State Department, with the freeze taking effect from January 21.

According to officials, the suspension will remain in place indefinitely while authorities conduct a comprehensive review of existing screening and vetting procedures.

Pakistan, Bangladesh hit

Pakistan and Bangladesh are among the countries most affected by the sweeping visa freeze.

The pause applies to a diverse group of nations across multiple regions, including Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, Iraq, Egypt and Yemen.

For Pakistan, the timing of the move proved particularly controversial.

The suspension coincided with a high-profile event in which the country’s leadership gathered to host Steve Witkoff’s son, who presided over what was described as a memorandum of understanding on cryptocurrency.

The optics triggered backlash at home, with critics branding it a diplomatic embarrassment.

State Dept memo explains ‘public charge’ focus

The internal memo states that the State Department is halting visa issuance as part of an effort to crack down on applicants considered likely to become a “public charge.”

Officials have been instructed to deny visas using existing legal authority while the department reassesses its vetting standards.

The document directs US embassies and consulates worldwide to refuse visas during the review period, though it does not specify when processing might resume.

Consular officers told to apply strict criteria

Under the new guidance, consular officials must evaluate applicants based on a broad range of factors.

These include health conditions, age, English proficiency, financial stability and potential long-term medical needs.

Applicants deemed likely to rely on public assistance in the United States will be refused visas during the suspension, reinforcing the administration’s restrictive approach to immigration.

Trump’s broader immigration crackdown

The move is part of President Trump’s wider immigration crackdown since taking office last January.

His administration has repeatedly tightened entry rules, citing national security concerns and fears over misuse of public resources.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott defended the policy, saying the department would use its authority to bar immigrants who could exploit US welfare systems.

He stressed the government’s responsibility to protect American taxpayers.

Earlier remarks signal hardline approach

The visa freeze follows Trump’s earlier remarks in November, when he pledged to “permanently pause” migration from what he called “Third World Countries.”

His comments came after a shooting near the White House by an Afghan national that left a National Guard member killed.

While the current measure stops short of a permanent ban, it represents one of the most extensive visa suspensions of Trump’s presidency.

Global impact raises concerns

The affected countries span Africa, the Middle East, Europe, South America and Asia, raising alarm over the potential fallout for tourism, education, business travel and family reunification.

With no clear end date, the suspension has created uncertainty for thousands of students, workers and families awaiting visa decisions.

No timeline for review completion

The State Department has not provided a timeframe for completing its reassessment of visa screening procedures.

Until then, embassies and consulates have been ordered to strictly enforce existing laws and reject applications that fall under public charge rules.

The policy reinforces the administration’s broader effort to narrow immigration pathways, marking another major shift in US visa policy under Trump.