Pause on Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries - What Families and Employers Must Know in 2026

A Sweeping Visa Pause Has Reshaped U.S. Immigration in 2026

In January 2026, the U.S. Department of State implemented one of the most far‑reaching immigration actions in recent history: a pause on issuing immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries. This decision has left thousands of families, employers, and approved green‑card applicants in legal limbo.

Unlike past travel bans, this policy does not stop interviews or revoke existing visas. Instead, it freezes final visa issuance for affected nationals abroad while the government conducts a broad review tied to public charge and financial self‑sufficiency standards 1.

What Exactly Is Paused?

Effective January 21, 2026, U.S. embassies and consulates were instructed to withhold issuance of immigrant visas for applicants who are nationals of designated countries, even if their cases are otherwise fully approved 2.

The pause applies to:

Family‑based immigrant visas (IR, F1–F4)
Employment‑based immigrant visas (EB‑1 through EB‑5)
Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery) cases

The pause does not apply to:

Nonimmigrant visas (H‑1B, L‑1, O‑1, TN, F‑1, B‑1/B‑2)
Adjustment of Status applications filed inside the U.S.
Existing valid immigrant visas already issued

Which Countries Are Affected?

The list spans nearly half of all immigrant visa‑issuing countries worldwide, including nations in:

Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Haiti)
Africa (Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana)
Asia‑Pacific (India is notably not included; Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand are)
Europe and Eurasia (Russia, Bosnia, Kosovo)

The full list was formally published by the State Department and confirmed by multiple federal agencies 1.

Why Did the Government Take This Step?

According to official statements, the pause is tied to a renewed interpretation of the “public charge” ground of inadmissibility. The administration argues that nationals of the affected countries present a higher statistical risk of relying on U.S. public benefits, and that a temporary freeze is necessary while screening and vetting standards are reassessed 2.

Critics — including civil rights organizations and U.S. citizen petitioners — argue the policy functions as a nationality‑based ban that bypasses required rulemaking procedures. Multiple lawsuits challenging the pause were filed in federal court in early February 2026 4.

Are Interviews Still Happening?

Yes — and this is one of the most confusing aspects.

The National Visa Center and U.S. consulates are still scheduling and conducting immigrant visa interviews. However, for affected nationals, officers are instructed to complete the interview but refuse issuance under the pause authority, regardless of eligibility 5.

This has created false hope and significant emotional and financial strain for families who believed they were at the final step.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Limited exceptions exist, but they are narrow:

Dual nationals applying with a passport from a non‑listed country
Certain U.S. national interest exceptions
Children being adopted by U.S. citizens, who may qualify for an adoption‑specific exemption

No broad waiver process has been announced, and approvals appear rare and discretionary 1.

What This Means for Tampa Families and Employers

For Tampa Bay residents and businesses, the impact is immediate:

U.S. citizens may be separated from spouses and children abroad indefinitely
Employers sponsoring overseas talent for EB‑2 or EB‑3 green cards must rely on temporary work visas longer than planned
Diversity Visa winners from affected countries may lose their opportunity entirely if the pause extends past fiscal deadlines

Adjustment of Status inside the U.S. remains a critical strategic alternative where eligible 3.

How Ragheb Immigration Law Can Help

In this rapidly shifting landscape, immigration strategy matters more than ever. Our firm assists clients with:

Evaluating Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
Maintaining lawful status through H‑1B, L‑1, O‑1, or TN pathways
Identifying potential national interest or dual‑nationality exceptions
Litigation support and mandamus referrals where appropriate

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