The Trump administration announced the indefinite suspension of visa processing for travellers from 75 countries effective Wednesday, 21st January.
The US State Department made the announcement via a post on social media platform X, dated today, 15th January.
This is seen globally as one of the current US government’s most expansive efforts to restrict legal entry into the country.
Experts point out that this directive targets applicants whom the US government may deem likely to become a public charge, essentially people who may depend on public largesse for everyday living.
Affected nations
According to UK publication The Guardian, the extensive list cuts across every major region of the world, spanning countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and eastern Europe.
As of press time, affected countries are:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Myanmar
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Colombia
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Dominica
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- The Gambia
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- North Macedonia
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Republic of the Congo
- Russia
- Rwanda
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
Are there any exemptions?
It should be noted, however, that there are several exceptions to th is latest order.
Among these are those holding dual citizenship with a valid passport for a country not on the list or if the applicant is able to demonstrate their travel would service an “America First” national interest.
If a visa has already been approved but the visa has not been printed, the consular officer is mandated to refuse the application.
