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On January 14, the U.S. Department of State announced an indefinite pause on the issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries, including several Asian nations. India is not included in the list.
According to a statement released on January 14, effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State will pause all visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the following countries:
According to the Department of State, immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans; the department plans to undertake a full review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from the high-risk countries listed do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge.
Reaction
The announcement was condemned by civil rights organizations, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice, which called the move to pause the issuance of immigrant visas for individuals from 75 countries an unprecedented and restrictive attack on the immigration system. In a statement released January 16, AAJC noted that blocking hundreds of thousands of people from immigration pathways established by Congress “harkens back to the racially discriminatory immigration restrictions of the 1920s that effectively barred Asian and Black immigrants.”
It also expressed concern that the decision would separate families and block workers who have followed the necessary steps to acquire permanent status in the United States.
“The pause disproportionately targets immigrants of color—yet another indication of the xenophobia and racism driving this administration’s policies. Asian Americans will suffer under this pause, with 44% of Asian immigrant visa holders—and over 135,000 individuals—barred, ” stated AAJC, and urged the administration to “reverse this decision and work with Congress to improve, and not curtail, our immigration system.”
More Information
What happens to immigrant visa interview appointments?
Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of affected countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews. The Department will continue to schedule appointments for these applicants, but no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals during this pause.
Are there any exceptions?
Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed above are exempt from this pause.
Does this affect current valid visas?
No immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance. For questions regarding admission to the United States, go to DHS.
Does this apply to tourist visas?
No, this pause is specifically for immigrant visa applicants. Tourist visas are non-immigrant visas.