The impact of “America First” policies is being felt globally as visa processing is frozen for 75 countries. The Trump administration has ordered an indefinite suspension of immigrant visas for these nations, effective January 21. The move is intended to protect the US economy by excluding those deemed likely to become public charges.
The freeze is enforced by a halt on visa printing. Consular officers are required to refuse cases where the visa has not been printed. This strict interpretation of the rules ensures a rapid reduction in immigration from the targeted countries.
The list of countries is broad, affecting nations in every major region. It includes both allies and adversaries, all subject to the same economic scrutiny. The policy prioritizes domestic economic concerns over international relations.
Exceptions are limited to dual nationals of non-listed countries and those serving a national interest. For most applicants, the “America First” policy means their own American dream is on hold.
The countries affected by this freeze are: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Myanmar, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte 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, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
