Washington: The US administration has decided to indefinitely pause immigrant visa processing for 75 countries under its “America First” policy, a move that will take effect from January 21 and remain in force until a comprehensive review is completed, according to media reports.
India has been excluded from the list, while neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal have been included, meaning Indian nationals seeking green cards or other permanent residency categories will not be directly affected by the suspension.
Analysts view India’s exclusion as an institutional signal of Washington’s confidence in Indian applicants. According to News18, the freeze targets countries considered high-risk for fraud or whose applicants are deemed more likely to become a financial burden on the US government. Consular officers have been directed to refuse immigrant visas during the review of identity management and information-sharing standards.
Fox News reported that applicants who are older, overweight, or who have previously relied on government cash assistance or institutional care could face visa denials. State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said authorities would exercise their mandate to disqualify potential immigrants who might “exploit the generosity of the American people,” with officers instructed to assess factors such as health, age, English proficiency and financial stability.
Experts said inclusion in the freeze list alongside countries like Somalia, Afghanistan and Yemen is a setback for Pakistan’s global standing. Government insiders cited by News18 said the decision reflects long-standing US concerns over the credibility of Pakistani documentation, with heightened scrutiny following reports of benefit fraud linked to Somalia.
India’s absence from the list, according to officials quoted by News18, reinforces its status as a “trusted partner” of the US and is expected to support smoother flows of skilled migration, higher education and technology cooperation, particularly in healthcare and IT sectors.
The US State Department clarified that the pause will not revoke existing valid visas but will suspend all new immigrant visa appointments starting next Tuesday. (Agencies)
