The United States has triggered widespread debate and diplomatic unease after announcing an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a move that has surprised governments, analysts, and migrant communities alike. According to the US State Department, the suspension—effective from January 21—is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration rules and reduce what officials describe as the financial burden on American taxpayers.
While the inclusion of conflict-affected or economically distressed nations such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Sudan, Libya, and Myanmar was largely expected, the presence of relatively stable and prosperous countries like Thailand, Kuwait, Brazil, Uruguay, and Bhutan has raised serious questions about the criteria behind the sweeping decision.
Unexpected Countries Spark Confusion
The announcement immediately drew reactions from commentators and policymakers. Author and journalist Sadanand Dhume publicly questioned the logic of the list, writing that he was “surprised to see Kuwait, Thailand, Brazil, and Uruguay” included. “These are relatively well-off countries,” he noted, adding that Bhutan’s case was particularly complex due to the presence of ethnic Nepali refugees who were expelled from the country in the early 1990s and later resettled in the US.
Dhume also highlighted why India was excluded from the ban. “Migrants from India have extremely low welfare dependency rates, both in the US and Europe. It would be bonkers to include India in the list if the goal is to crack down on groups that place a burden on the welfare net,” he said.
Diplomatic Ripples Across the World
Several governments reacted with surprise and concern. Thailand, a long-standing US ally and one of the most popular tourist destinations for Americans, formally summoned the US chargé d’affaires in Bangkok to seek urgent clarification, according to local media reports. Thai officials noted that the country is often portrayed in US discourse as a welcoming, economically vibrant nation with strong bilateral ties.
Brazil’s inclusion also puzzled observers. As South America’s largest economy, Brazil accounts for only about 1 percent of the total foreign-born population in the US. Despite having a sizable diaspora, Brazilians are not known for large-scale or irregular migration to the United States, making its presence on the list particularly unexpected.
Kuwait’s case has drawn even sharper scrutiny. The oil-rich Gulf nation boasts one of the world’s highest GDPs per capita, and fewer than 40,000 Kuwaitis live in the US—nearly one-third of whom are students. Vivian Nereim, Gulf bureau chief of the New York Times, questioned the rationale behind the decision, writing, “I am so curious to understand how Kuwait—an oil-rich country where the average citizen income exceeds $60,000 a year—ended up on this list.”
The “Public Charge” Rationale
According to officials, the suspension is rooted in a reassessment of immigration policies centered on the “public charge” rule. Under this long-standing US immigration principle, visa or green card applicants can be denied if they are deemed likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance for basic living needs.
An internal cable reviewed by Reuters reportedly flagged that applicants from the listed countries show higher tendencies to access public benefits, categorizing them as high-risk for tapping into local, state, or federal resources. The pause applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect visitor or tourist visas.
“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, the department’s principal deputy spokesperson, according to Reuters. He added that visa processing would remain on hold while authorities conduct a comprehensive reassessment.
The cable also instructed consular officials to deny approvals for immigrant visas that had been authorized for printing but not yet issued or dispatched.
Politics and Policy Under Trump
The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader push to tighten both legal and illegal immigration. First reported by Fox News, the policy follows a November directive urging US diplomats to prioritize applicants who demonstrate clear financial independence and minimal reliance on government aid.
Notably, Pakistan remains on the list despite recent diplomatic engagements between Washington and Islamabad, including meetings between Pakistan’s army chief and Trump following regional military developments. Analysts say the decision underscores that geopolitical cooperation does not necessarily translate into immigration leniency.
Why Some Countries Were Spared
Experts suggest that exclusions—such as India’s—are driven by factors including strong documentation practices, economic ties, skilled migration patterns, and historically low public charge risks. India, for instance, dominates skilled visa categories like H-1B and maintains cooperative consular relationships with the US, making it less likely to be flagged under welfare-dependency criteria.
A Policy With Global Implications
With no clear timeline for review or reversal, the suspension has left thousands of families and prospective immigrants in limbo. While US officials insist the measure is temporary and subject to reassessment, critics argue that the lack of transparency and country-specific explanations risks straining diplomatic ties and undermining America’s image as a destination for opportunity.
As governments seek clarification and affected communities await answers, the policy highlights the evolving—and increasingly restrictive—nature of US immigration under Trump, where economic self-sufficiency has become the central test of eligibility.
