Trump’s administration freezes the processing of immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Russia and Iran

Thekabarnews.com—People from 75 countries, including Iran and Russia, are no longer eligible to apply for immigration visas under the Trump administration. This is because of escalating tensions between countries. There are also new threats of military action against Tehran.

Multiple reports say that the US State Department sent an internal memo telling consular staff around the world to temporarily turn down immigrant visa applications from the impacted countries. Furthermore, this freeze will stay in place as the agency looks into all of its screening and vetting processes in detail.

“The Department is reevaluating existing immigrant visa processes to ensure national security interests remain fully protected,” the document said, as reported by US media outlets that reviewed it.

The world situation informs the security review

President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric against Iran, including threats of possible military strikes against the country’s Ayatollah-led leadership. This approach has sparked concerns. In particular, there are worries about the potential use of immigration policy as a weapon amidst broader foreign policy challenges.

The visa freeze forms part of a broader plan to restrict entry from countries considered high risk. Meanwhile, one official said authorities instructed consular officers to stop approving applications while they review the screening mechanism, according to international reports.

What the visa freeze covers

Reports say the confidential memo covers immigrant visas, which allow people to live in the United States permanently. The first instruction did not include anything about non-immigrant visas like tourist or student visas. However, officials said that further information might be coming.

Reports say that the strategy affects countries in several regions, such as the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Africa, and some parts of Asia. The freeze expressly listed Russia and Iran as two of the countries affected. As a result, the listing shows how politically sensitive the decision was.

Immigration groups warn that the policy could leave thousands of applicants, including reunited families, in a state of uncertainty. 

“Freezing immigrant visas disrupts lives and creates uncertainty for people who have already undergone years of processing,” said a US-based immigration attorney, as quoted by local media.

Critics also compare the action to the travel bans implemented during Trump’s presidency. The bans, which targeted numerous Muslim-majority nations, encountered numerous legal challenges.

We continue to await the announcement

The State Department has yet to make an official public declaration about the affected nations or the duration of the freeze. Officials said the action is temporary and will remain in place until they complete the procedural review.

A State Department official told US media, “This is an internal administrative action, not a permanent policy change.”

The visa freeze makes US immigration policy even less clear. This is especially true as security concerns, diplomatic conflicts, and domestic political issues are all affecting one another on the world stage.