Trump Administration Halts Visa Processing for 75 Countries Amid Immigration Agenda

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On January 14, the Trump administration put a hold on visa processing for people from seventy-five countries, part of Trump’s immigration policy push. This includes nations such as Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Russia, and Somalia, although the State Department has yet to confirm the list.

The latest move builds on the administration’s previous expansion of the June 2025 travel ban to include seven additional countries and add restrictions to fifteen others. This brings the total to thirty-eight countries under either a full or partial ban. National security concerns were cited as the reasons for these policies.

The new visa pause is intended to target those who could become a “public charge,” as State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott explained. The criteria include health, age, English proficiency, and finances. The policy does not affect tourist or business visas.

Pigott described the move as aiming to end “abuse” of the U.S. immigration system. The new policy will reportedly take effect on January 21 and will remain in place until the State Department reviews its visa processing procedures. This comes on the heels of Trump threatening military action against Iran for suppressing protesters, as well as his criticism of the Somali immigrant community following a funding scandal in Minnesota.

The travel ban and visa halt are part of Trump’s larger immigration strategy, which includes a crackdown on many immigrant groups. In December, the Department of Homeland Security recorded over 605,000 deportations since Trump came into office.

Rights groups and UN organizations condemned these actions, arguing that foreign nationals have a right to due process and asylum under U.S. and international law.

Trump claimed some countries affected by his travel ban had inadequate vetting processes, posing national security threats. He singled out countries that refused to accept U.S. deportees. Many countries affected by the visa pause and travel ban have tense relationships with the U.S., and several are dealing with internal issues like civil war or repressive rule.

Austin Steinhart created the graphics for this article.