According to Reuters on January 14, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, as part of an intensified immigration policy review following his return to the White House.
The decision was confirmed by the U.S. Department of State, which stated that the suspension will take effect on January 21, while the Department conducts a comprehensive review of immigration policies, regulations, and adjudication procedures to ensure enhanced screening and vetting standards.
Temporary Suspension of Immigrant Visa Processing
According to an internal State Department cable reviewed by Reuters, the suspension is intended to ensure the “highest level of screening and vetting” for immigrant visa applicants. U.S. authorities indicated concerns that nationals from certain countries may present a higher risk of becoming a public charge, meaning potential dependence on local, state, or federal public benefits after entry.
During the suspension period, U.S. consular officers are instructed to:
- Refuse cases that have been “print-authorized” but not yet issued
- Halt issuance of visas that have been printed but not yet released from the consular section
The State Department emphasized that this measure does not apply to nonimmigrant visitor visas, which remain a priority as the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.
Full List of 75 Countries Affected
According to U.S. officials, the immigrant visa processing suspension applies to nationals of the following 75 countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
The list spans multiple regions, including Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, highlighting the broad scope of the policy review.
Analysis: Vietnam Is Not Included in the Suspension
A critical point that must be clearly emphasized is that Vietnam is NOT included in the list of 75 countries subject to the immigrant visa processing suspension. At this time, immigrant visa applications filed by Vietnamese nationals are not directly affected by this measure.
The countries included in the suspension are primarily those that U.S. authorities have identified as presenting elevated risks related to public charge concerns or requiring further scrutiny in screening procedures. Vietnam’s absence from the list indicates that Vietnam is not a focal point of this specific policy action.
However, this does not mean that immigrant visa processing for Vietnamese applicants will become faster or easier. On the contrary, the broader policy direction suggests:
- More stringent review standards
- Increased emphasis on financial self-sufficiency
- Potential longer processing times due to overall system-wide policy reviews
Implications for Employment-Based Immigration (EB-3)
For employment-based immigration programs such as EB-3, the presence of a legitimate U.S. employer sponsor, a clearly defined job offer, and stable income remains a key legal foundation supporting case eligibility.
That said, recent policy developments underscore several important considerations:
- Applications must be prepared accurately and lawfully from the outset
- Employment details, wages, and financial documentation must be consistent and well-documented
- Early filing and working with a reputable, transparent immigration service provider are increasingly important in a tightening regulatory environment
In periods of policy transition, relying on verified information and understanding the intent behind government decisions can help applicants avoid unnecessary concern and make informed long-term immigration plans.
