US halts immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries from Jan 21

WEB DESK: The United States has decided to temporarily stop processing immigrant visas for Pakistan and 74 additional countries starting January 21, citing concerns that applicants from these nations may place a burden on public welfare systems.

According to the State Department, the suspension will remain in effect until officials complete a review aimed at ensuring that future immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not rely on government-funded assistance.

US officials said the move aligns with the administration’s “America First” policy framework. One official noted that the government was taking steps to prevent misuse of public resources, saying measures were being introduced to protect American taxpayers.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the department would invoke its long-standing authority to deny visas to individuals deemed likely to become a public charge. He added that immigration from the affected countries would be paused while existing screening procedures are reassessed to prevent abuse of welfare and public benefit programmes.

The suspension applies to all categories of immigrant visas, including family-sponsored, employment-based and diversity visas. Countries impacted span multiple regions and include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Haiti and Eritrea.

Impact on Pakistanis

The decision is expected to disrupt plans for thousands of Pakistanis who apply for US immigrant visas each year for family reunification, employment or permanent residence. Pakistani diplomatic missions in the United States are expected to issue further guidance to affected applicants in the coming days.

Public-charge rule

The freeze is tied to the public-charge rule, a long-standing provision in US immigration law that allows authorities to assess whether an immigrant is likely to depend on government assistance. While temporary pauses in visa services have occurred before, officials acknowledged that the scale of this suspension is unusually broad.

The State Department has not provided a timeline for when visa processing will resume, but said countries would be informed once the review process is completed.