The Trump administration has officially paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries. This significant policy shift, effective as of January 21, 2026, aims to restrict legal immigration from nations the government claims may “extract wealth” from the American people.
The freeze specifically targets immigrant visas for individuals whom officials believe might rely on government benefits. While the ban includes nearly half of all legal immigration sources—affecting an estimated 315,000 people annually—it does not apply to temporary tourist or business visas.
The list of 75 countries includes U.S. allies and nations with long-standing migration ties, such as Brazil, Egypt, Jamaica, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Despite the broad nature of the ban, the administration confirmed that visitors traveling for the upcoming FIFA World Cup will be exempt from these suspensions.
This policy update comes amid rising civil unrest following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens during federal enforcement operations in Minneapolis. In response to these protests, the President has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would allow active-duty military to enforce domestic laws.
Experts describe this action as part of the most restrictive legal immigration agenda in U.S. history. With over 64,000 people currently in detention, the administration continues to intensify efforts to limit entry into the country while increasing domestic enforcement.