US Halts Immigrant Visa Processing for Citizens of 75 Countries, Including Somalia — White House

The United States government announced on Wednesday that it is suspending immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, in a significant policy shift affecting global migration to the United States.

A spokesperson for the US State Department confirmed that the agency has paused the issuance of immigrant visas from a broad list of nations, as part of ongoing changes to the US immigration system introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration.

In a post on X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt identified several of the countries affected, including Somalia, Russia, and Iran. According to Leavitt, the list also includes a number of nations with traditionally friendly ties to the United States, such as Brazil, Egypt, and Thailand.

The visa suspension applies specifically to immigrant visas, which are granted to individuals seeking permanent residence in the United States. It does not affect nonimmigrant visas — such as those issued for tourism, business, or short-term travel — though the administration has signalled tougher vetting procedures, including reviews of applicants’ social media activity.

The move comes amid intensified efforts by the Trump administration to tighten the nation’s immigration system. A State Department announcement earlier this week revealed that more than 100,000 visas have been revoked since the beginning of Trump’s current term — the highest such figure recorded in a single year.

At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security stated last month that the administration has so far deported more than 605,000 individuals, with an additional 2.5 million people choosing to depart the United States voluntarily in response to enforcement measures.

Trump’s immigration policy has drawn sharp criticism and controversy, particularly for its rhetoric and selective targeting of migrants from specific regions. In remarks made in recent months, the President has characterised Somali nationals in derogatory terms during public comments related to a funding controversy in Minnesota, remarks that sparked outrage among advocacy groups.

Leavitt’s announcement did not release the full list of 75 countries but pointed to a range of nations across Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. It also reiterated the administration’s determination to assert greater control over who is permitted to migrate permanently to the United States.

The State Department said the suspension will remain in effect as officials review broader immigration policies and work toward new criteria for visa adjudication. Further details, including how long the pause will last and whether exceptions will be permitted, have not yet been outlined by US authorities.