The New “Iron Curtain”? 75-Country Visa Freeze Leaves Families in Limbo
A wave of panic and confusion is sweeping through diaspora communities today following a sudden and sweeping announcement from the administration. In a move that has stunned immigration advocates and families alike, a temporary visa freeze has been enacted for citizens of 75 countries, effective immediately. The policy, cited as a “necessary security measure” pending a review of vetting procedures, has left thousands of travel plans in disarray and families separated with little to no warning.
Who is Affected?
The freeze primarily targets non-immigrant visas, including tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F-1), and some business visas. The list of affected nations is extensive, with a heavy concentration in Africa and the Caribbean. Countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Haiti are among those whose citizens are now facing an indefinite pause on visa processing. This has sent shockwaves through communities that rely heavily on travel for family reunions, business, and education.
The Official List: 75 Countries Affected
According to the latest government cables, the following nations are included in the immigrant visa pause. This includes family-sponsored petitions, employment-based visas, and diversity lottery winners:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Burma (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
- 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
- Yemen
What This Means for You
- It is an “Immigrant” Freeze: This pause affects those seeking Permanent Residency (Green Cards).
- Non-Immigrant Visas: At this moment, tourist visas (B-1/B-2) and student visas (F-1) are not officially included in this specific 75-country freeze, though individual vetting has become significantly stricter.
- Exceptions: Dual nationals using a passport from a country not on this list may still be processed.
The Human Cost
Behind the policy are real stories of heartbreak. Families who had been planning reunions for years are now canceling flights. Students accepted into universities are unsure if they will be able to start their semesters. “It feels like a door has been slammed in our faces,” said Kwame A., a Nigerian national whose mother was scheduled to visit next month. “We did everything right, followed all the rules, and now we are being punished.”
This developing story is sure to have a lasting impact. We urge everyone with upcoming travel plans or pending visa applications to consult with an immigration attorney immediately and stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.