Sweeping US move pauses green card processing for dozens of nations, triggering uncertainty for families and migrants worldwide
The United States administration under President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a move that has sent shockwaves across migrant communities and raised concerns over family reunification and legal immigration pathways.
The suspension, which is set to take effect later this month, applies specifically to immigrant visas, commonly known as green cards. These visas allow foreign nationals to permanently settle in the United States through family sponsorship, employment-based categories, or diversity visa programmes. The affected countries span across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and parts of Eastern Europe, including several developing and conflict-affected nations.
According to US officials, the decision is aimed at reassessing immigration screening systems and addressing concerns related to applicants who may become dependent on public assistance in the United States. The administration has described the measure as temporary, but has not provided a clear timeline for its review or withdrawal.
Importantly, the suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as tourist, student, business or temporary work visas. However, experts warn that even these categories could face increased scrutiny, longer processing times and enhanced vetting at US embassies and consulates.
The move has sparked anxiety among families awaiting reunification, including those with approved petitions who were close to completing the immigration process. For many, years of paperwork, financial investment and emotional preparation now hang in uncertainty.
Human rights groups and immigration advocates have criticised the decision, calling it one of the broadest restrictions on legal immigration in recent years. They argue that the policy disproportionately impacts citizens of poorer and politically unstable countries, further limiting access to lawful migration routes.
For regions like Kashmir, where students and professionals often look to the United States for long-term opportunities, the announcement has added to growing global uncertainty around migration policies. Experts say the suspension could also affect US industries that rely on skilled immigrants and delay family-based immigration cases already in the pipeline.
As debates intensify, affected families and applicants continue to wait for clarity, hoping the suspension will be reviewed and eased before causing long-term disruptions to lives planned across borders.
The suspension, which is set to take effect later this month, applies specifically to immigrant visas, commonly known as green cards. These visas allow foreign nationals to permanently settle in the United States through family sponsorship, employment-based categories, or diversity visa programmes. The affected countries span across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and parts of Eastern Europe, including several developing and conflict-affected nations.
According to US officials, the decision is aimed at reassessing immigration screening systems and addressing concerns related to applicants who may become dependent on public assistance in the United States. The administration has described the measure as temporary, but has not provided a clear timeline for its review or withdrawal.
Importantly, the suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as tourist, student, business or temporary work visas. However, experts warn that even these categories could face increased scrutiny, longer processing times and enhanced vetting at US embassies and consulates.
The move has sparked anxiety among families awaiting reunification, including those with approved petitions who were close to completing the immigration process. For many, years of paperwork, financial investment and emotional preparation now hang in uncertainty.
Human rights groups and immigration advocates have criticised the decision, calling it one of the broadest restrictions on legal immigration in recent years. They argue that the policy disproportionately impacts citizens of poorer and politically unstable countries, further limiting access to lawful migration routes.
For regions like Kashmir, where students and professionals often look to the United States for long-term opportunities, the announcement has added to growing global uncertainty around migration policies. Experts say the suspension could also affect US industries that rely on skilled immigrants and delay family-based immigration cases already in the pipeline.
As debates intensify, affected families and applicants continue to wait for clarity, hoping the suspension will be reviewed and eased before causing long-term disruptions to lives planned across borders.
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