The Trump administration has announced a significant shift in US immigration policy, pausing immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries. This directive is scheduled to take effect on January 21, 2026.
The administration states this “pause” will remain active until officials can ensure that new arrivals do not “extract wealth” from the American public. The primary focus is on preventing individuals from becoming a public charge, or someone who relies on government benefits.
While the list of 75 nations includes various allies and war-torn regions, the restrictions specifically target permanent immigration visas. According to the State Department, these rules do not apply to temporary tourist or business visas.
The timing of the ban has raised questions regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the US is co-hosting this summer. However, the government has confirmed that visa suspensions will not affect visitors traveling specifically for the tournament.
Policy experts estimate that this move could turn away approximately 315,000 legal immigrants over the next year. This represents nearly half of all legal immigration to the United States, marking a historic tightening of border controls.