Washington: The United States has suspended immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries for an indefinite period, citing concerns related to fraud, insufficient vetting mechanisms, and the potential financial burden on the US government. The decision, reported by ARY News, marks a significant tightening of American immigration policies and is expected to impact thousands of prospective immigrants worldwide.
According to reports, the suspension applies to a diverse group of countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. The list includes Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Myanmar, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cuba, the Republic of Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
THOUSANDS OF PAKISTANI BEGGARS DEPORTED FROM SAUDI ARABIA
US officials have stated that the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen immigration controls and ensure national security. Authorities believe that weaknesses in documentation, identity verification, and background screening processes in some countries pose risks that need to be addressed before visa services can resume.
The development comes amid a wider crackdown on visas and immigration enforcement in the United States. According to the US State Department, more than 100,000 visas have been cancelled so far this year alone. These cancellations span multiple visa categories, including tourist visas, student visas, skilled worker permits, and other temporary and long-term visas.
Among the cancelled visas, approximately 8,000 belonged to international students, while around 2,500 were related to special work permits. US officials said these actions were taken against foreign nationals who were found to have criminal records, violated immigration laws, or were involved in activities deemed inconsistent with the conditions of their visas.
In an official statement posted on its verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the US State Department emphasized that visa cancellations and deportations would continue as part of ongoing efforts to keep the country secure. The department reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing immigration laws strictly and taking action against individuals who breach legal requirements.
This policy shift is closely linked to the stricter immigration stance that gained momentum during the Trump administration. Under these policies, visa holders are not only scrutinized during the application process but are also monitored after entering the United States. Authorities track arrests, convictions, and other legal issues that may arise during a visa holder’s stay, which can lead to visa revocation even after lawful entry.
The suspension of immigrant visa processing is expected to have far-reaching consequences for families awaiting reunification, skilled professionals seeking permanent residency, and individuals hoping to migrate for better economic opportunities. For Pakistan in particular, the decision may affect thousands of applicants who rely on family-based or employment-based immigration channels to the United States.
India, which has one of the largest populations of US visa holders globally, is also reported to be directly impacted by the broader policy changes, especially in categories related to work and education.
While US authorities have not provided a specific timeline for lifting the suspension, they indicated that visa processing could resume once concerns related to fraud prevention, verification systems, and compliance standards are adequately addressed. Until then, applicants from the affected countries face uncertainty, delays, and limited options.
The decision underscores a significant shift in US immigration policy, prioritizing stricter oversight and enforcement over facilitation, and reflects Washington’s ongoing focus on national security, legal compliance, and immigration control.
