The Trump administration has announced a suspension of all visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Pakistan, according to the United States Department of State. The pause is set to take effect from January 21, with no clear timeline provided for when visa services may resume.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared a report on the decision, confirming that countries such as Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, and Thailand are also affected. Under the directive, US embassies and consulates have been instructed to refuse visas under existing legal provisions while the State Department reassesses its immigration procedures.
The move comes amid a broader immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump, who returned to office last January. Officials described the suspension as part of the administration’s “America First” policy, saying the goal is to prevent abuse of the US immigration system and public welfare resources.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the department will rely on its authority to deny entry to individuals deemed likely to become a public charge or exploit public benefits. He added that immigration from the listed countries is being paused while screening and processing mechanisms are reviewed.
The reported decision follows earlier remarks by Trump in November, when he pledged tougher migration controls after a shooting incident near the White House involving an Afghan national. The visa suspension is expected to have a significant impact on students, workers, families, and visitors from the affected countries, including Pakistan, as uncertainty grows around future US visa processing.
