On January 14, 2026, the Trump Administration announced that effective January 21, 2026, it would pause the immigrant visa issuance under INA 221(g) for people from 75 countries. The policy creates a non-statutory presumption of 212(a)(4)(public charge) ineligibility for anyone applying with a passport from one of the names countries.
The list of affected countries is as follows:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote 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, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
Notably, the list includes nationalities who are subject to 212(f) (suspension of entry or imposition of restrictions by President) bans, as well as several who are not (e.g. Kuwait). Interestingly, there are also 212(f)-banned nationals who are not named in this directive (e.g. Mauritania).
Importantly, this new announcement applies only to immigrant visas. The pause does not apply to nonimmigrant visas.
Important points:
Interviews will proceed: According to a cable addressed to all posts (26 STATE 3740), interviews will proceed. It states that officers must “conduct interviews and fully assess each applicant.” Officers are instructed to identify any non-212(a)(4) ineligibilities first (e.g. 212(a)(2) criminal and related grounds) and to base any refusal on that basis if applicable. Otherwise, they are to identify the case as ineligible under 212(a)(4) and pause processing under 221(g). The cable states that applicants must bring all required documents to their interviews even medical exams or criminal clearances.
Dual National Exemption: As with prior bans, applicants apply with a passport from a country that is not on pause may receive final adjudications.
National Interest Exemption: As with other bans, a national interest exemption appears to apply, likely in very limited circumstances.
No valid visas have been revoked; however, if the visa was printed but not yet sent to the applicant, it will be cancelled without prejudice. If the visa was not yet printed, it will not be printed.
No time given: No timeline was given for the length of the pause, which is notionally in place while the State Department reviews screening, vetting, etc. related to public charge.
