By Zoila Palma: A sweeping U.S. suspension on immigrant visas is taking effect today January 21, marking one of the Trump administration’s most extensive restrictions on legal migration pathways.
The measure applies to applications for permanent residency, including family-based and employment-based immigrant visas, and affects dozens of countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
Existing visas already held by nationals of the affected countries remain valid and are not impacted by the decision.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the suspension is intended to prevent immigrants deemed likely to become a “public charge” from entering the United States.
The administration said the policy reflects President Donald Trump’s position that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not rely on U.S. government welfare programs.
While applicants from the listed countries may still submit applications and attend interviews, cases that have not yet reached the issuance stage will not move forward, and approved but unprinted visas are to be refused.
The suspension has no specified end date, raising concerns among immigration lawyers, businesses and multinational employers about prolonged uncertainty.
Limited exemptions are available, including for dual nationals applying with a passport from a non-listed country or applicants whose travel serves an “America First” national interest.
In the Americas, the suspension affects countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Uruguay.
The post International News: U.S. visa suspension on immigrant visas take effect today appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: A sweeping U.S. suspension on immigrant visas is taking effect today January 21, marking one of the Trump administration’s most extensive restrictions on legal migration pathways. The measure applies to applications for permanent residency, including family-based and employment-based immigrant visas, and affects dozens of countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle
The post International News: U.S. visa suspension on immigrant visas take effect today appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.