Morocco joins Egypt, Thailand, Albania, Belarus, Russia, and more as the US government’s new visa pause freezes immigrant visas for nationals from over seventy countries, creating shockwaves among travelers. This sweeping policy, effective from January 21, 2026, is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to ensure that immigrants do not become a financial burden on U.S. taxpayers. By halting immigrant visa issuances for citizens of high-risk nations, the move underscores a stronger focus on financial self-sufficiency for those seeking to permanently settle in the U.S.
Major Immigration Policy Shift Impacts Global Travelers
In a significant development sending shockwaves through global immigration systems, Morocco joins Egypt, Thailand, Albania, Belarus, Russia, and over seventy other countries in a new visa pause enforced by the U.S. Department of State. This major policy change, which came into effect on January 21, 2026, halts immigrant visa issuances for nationals from these countries, leaving many travelers uncertain about their future plans for moving to the United States.
This move comes as part of a broader effort to ensure that immigrants are financially self-sufficient and will not rely on U.S. welfare programs once they arrive in the country. The visa freeze primarily impacts immigrant visa applicants—those seeking permanent residency in the U.S.—but does not affect tourist or other nonimmigrant visas. For many applicants, the news has been alarming, especially as it changes the course of their migration plans.
Understanding the Public Charge Rule Behind the Pause
The Trump administration’s policy centers around one key theme: self-sufficiency for immigrants. Under the public charge rule, which aims to prevent immigrants from becoming a financial burden on the U.S., nationals of seventy-five countries have now found themselves affected by this new regulation. The U.S. government is tightening its visa issuance process to ensure that individuals entering the country are financially independent and will not rely on public welfare programs.
For immigrants from the affected countries, this visa pause is part of the Department of State’s effort to review screening and vetting processes, ensuring that potential immigrants will contribute positively to the country and won’t burden the U.S. government’s social safety nets. This measure is intended to safeguard taxpayers, keeping immigration focused on those who can financially support themselves.
Many people are searching for information about “US immigrant visa suspension 2026,” “countries affected by US visa freeze,” “how to apply for US visa during pause,” and “US public charge rule explained.” This policy directly impacts these queries and concerns.
Complete List of Countries Affected by the Visa Suspension
The countries impacted by this pause are varied, spanning across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Nationals from over seventy countries are now unable to proceed with their immigrant visa applications until further notice. The following countries have been designated as high-risk for reliance on U.S. public benefits:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
This freeze on immigrant visa issuances will be felt by many who were planning to start new lives in the U.S., especially those in countries with significant migrant communities.
What Happens to Scheduled Visa Appointments
If you are a national from one of the affected countries, you are still able to submit your visa application and attend scheduled visa interviews. The Department of State will continue to schedule interviews, but no visa approval will be granted under the current freeze.
This means that while your application process will proceed, the approval stage will be delayed until the suspension is lifted or revised. Applicants searching for “can I still attend my US visa interview” or “what happens to my immigrant visa application” will find this information particularly relevant.
Important Exceptions to the Immigration Visa Freeze
Yes, there are exceptions to the visa pause, and some applicants may still qualify for processing under special circumstances:
Dual Nationals: If you hold a passport from one of the affected countries and also hold a passport from a country not on the list, you are exempt from the pause. You can continue the application process using the passport from the non-affected country.
Adoptive Children: Adoptive parents of children from the affected countries are also eligible for an exception. These families can proceed with the normal adoption process and submit their applications, attending consular interviews without further delays.
National Interest Exceptions (NIE): Individuals applying for immigrant visas who demonstrate a national interest, such as critical workers or those whose work aligns with U.S. national interests, may also be eligible for special exceptions.
Impact on Current Valid Visas and Tourist Applications
If you currently hold an immigrant visa, the pause does not affect your visa. You may still travel to the U.S. and enter as per your current valid visa status. The freeze only applies to new applications for immigrant visas.
Additionally, this visa pause only applies to immigrant visa applicants. If you are applying for a tourist visa, work visa, or other nonimmigrant visas, your application process remains unaffected by the new rule. The suspension applies exclusively to individuals seeking to move permanently to the U.S.
Those searching “does US visa freeze affect tourist visas” or “can I still visit US with tourist visa” will find reassurance that nonimmigrant visas continue to be processed normally.
Expected Duration and Future Updates
At this time, the Department of State has not specified an exact end date for the pause. The decision is part of an ongoing review process, which could take several months. Applicants from the affected countries should regularly check for updates and stay in touch with U.S. embassies or consulates in their home countries for more information.
Practical Steps for Affected Visa Applicants
If you are affected by this visa freeze, here’s what you can do:
Stay Informed: Regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State website for updates on the status of the visa pause and possible exceptions. Be sure to check for new announcements.
Consult an Immigration Lawyer: Seek advice from a qualified immigration attorney to understand your options, especially if you may qualify for any exemptions, such as dual nationality or adoption cases.
Explore Alternative Visa Options: If you’re unable to proceed with an immigrant visa, look into alternative visas like tourist or student visas, as these are not affected by the pause.
Document Financial Self-Sufficiency: Begin gathering documentation that demonstrates your financial independence, as this may be crucial when the freeze is lifted.
Understanding the Broader Immigration Policy Context
Morocco joins Egypt, Thailand, Albania, Belarus, Russia, and more as the US government’s new visa pause freezes immigrant visas for nationals from over seventy countries due to concerns about public benefits reliance. This policy, effective from January 21, 2026, aims to ensure that immigrants to the U.S. are financially self-sufficient and do not burden U.S. taxpayers.
The visa pause represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, as the Trump administration continues to focus on self-sufficiency for immigrants. While the new restrictions create uncertainty for those seeking to start new lives in the U.S., the goal is clear: to ensure that those who immigrate to the U.S. are financially independent and do not rely on government assistance.
As immigration laws evolve and review processes continue, affected applicants must stay vigilant, keep up with official updates, and explore available alternatives. The future of U.S. immigration remains in flux, but this move underscores the government’s effort to prioritize financial self-sufficiency and reduce public charge concerns.
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