WASHINGTON, Jan 15 — The United States will suspend processing of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, including Bangladesh, starting January 21, as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies its crackdown on immigration, the U.S. State Department said on Wednesday.
The suspension will affect several regions across the world, including South Asia, Latin America, the Balkans, Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean. Alongside Bangladesh, South Asian country Pakistan is also on the list.
A State Department spokesperson said the pause would allow authorities to reassess immigration procedures to ensure that prospective immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not become dependent on U.S. public assistance.
“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” said Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the department.
According to U.S. officials, the decision does not affect visitor or tourist visas, which remain a priority as the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Impact on Bangladesh
For Bangladesh, the suspension could significantly disrupt family-based immigration and employment-linked permanent residency applications, at a time when thousands of Bangladeshi nationals seek long-term legal migration to the United States.
Immigration analysts warn that Bangladeshi applicants who have already completed interviews or document submissions may now face indefinite delays, adding uncertainty to an already lengthy immigration process.
Broader Immigration Crackdown
Since returning to office in January, Trump has pursued one of the most aggressive immigration enforcement agendas in U.S. history. His administration has expanded deportation operations, tightened screening procedures, and revoked more than 100,000 visas, according to State Department data.
Critics argue the policy goes beyond curbing illegal immigration and instead targets legal immigration pathways.
“This action will ban nearly half of all legal immigrants to the United States,” said David Bier, Director of Immigration Studies at the Cato Institute. “It could turn away more than 300,000 legal immigrants over the next year.”
Trump has defended the move, saying stricter controls are necessary after years of high illegal immigration under the previous administration.
Countries Affected
The list of affected countries includes Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Russia, among others.
The State Department said the suspension is temporary, but did not specify when immigrant visa processing would resume.
