In a move tightening control over legal immigrants, the United States announced an indefinite suspension of the immigrant visa process for 75 countries starting January 21. The inclusion of certain countries on this list has bewildered many, prompting questions about the criteria used to compile it.
To clarify, an immigrant visa allows individuals to reside permanently in another country, also known as Permanent Residency.
While including countries embroiled in conflicts like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Libya, Iran, Myanmar, and Sudan seems logical, the inclusion of Kuwait—an affluent nation—along with Thailand and Bhutan, respected globally, has left many puzzled. Even Brazil's inclusion surprised many.
This new list released by the U.S. State Department has ignited confusion and debate among both specialists and migrants.
For instance, author and journalist Sadanand Dhume expressed his surprise over the inclusion of Kuwait, Thailand, Brazil, and Uruguay in the U.S. State Department's (temporary) visa ban list.
'These are relatively affluent countries. Seeing Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal on the list didn’t shock me. Bhutan presents a curious case. Many Bhutanese refugees in the U.S. are ethnic Nepalis expelled from Bhutan during 1990-92,' Dhume posted on X.
'Including India in the list would be foolish'
Explaining why India was not included, Dhume stated, 'The dependency rate of migrants from India on welfare schemes in both America and Europe is incredibly low. If the purpose is to curb those who burden welfare systems, including India in the list would be sheer folly.'
Many affected countries have expressed surprise over this decision. According to Thai media outlet ThaiGer, Thailand was astonished to be on the list and summoned the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Bangkok on Thursday to seek an immediate explanation. Thailand is a popular tourist destination for Americans.
Brazil, South America's largest economy, was also unexpectedly included in the U.S. visa ban list. Although the number of Brazilian immigrants in the U.S. is substantial, their presence doesn’t indicate a mass history of immigration. In fact, Brazilians constitute a mere fraction of immigrants, accounting for only about 1% of the total foreign-born population in the U.S.
The inclusion of Kuwait in the U.S. visa suspension list is surprising too, considering this oil-rich Gulf nation has one of the world's highest per capita GDPs ($30,000-$32,000). This decision might stem from data showing that Kuwaiti immigrants in the U.S. historically tend to benefit from public programs. However, figures indicate fewer than 40,000 Kuwaiti citizens reside in the U.S., a third of whom are students.
A social media user quipped, '(Perhaps) because it didn’t donate a big enough jet plane?'
Why the U.S. Suspended Immigration Visas for 75 Countries
The U.S. Department of State mentioned that this suspension is an effort to strengthen immigration rules. According to Reuters, it will affect countries in Latin America (like Colombia and Uruguay), the Balkan region (Bosnia and Albania), South Asia (Pakistan and Bangladesh), and several African, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean nations.
Reuters reported a comprehensive review of policies, rules, and guidelines to ensure rigorous screening and verification of visa applicants.
According to a government document, some citizens of these countries have shown a tendency to utilize government assistance schemes upon arrival in the U.S., categorizing them as high-risk for becoming a “public charge.”
In simple terms, a public charge is a U.S. immigration law concept where if someone is deemed likely to primarily rely on government assistance while in the U.S., their visa or green card application might be denied.
Fox News was the first to report this action. Visitor visas are exempt from this suspension.
According to Reuters, this measure follows a November order instructing diplomats to prioritize economic self-sufficiency in visa screenings to prevent reliance on U.S. government aid.
U.S. Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated, 'The State Department will use its longstanding authority to disqualify potential immigrants likely to burden the U.S. by drawing on public benefits.'
He further mentioned that visa processing will remain suspended until a full review to prevent the entry of those likely to benefit from welfare programs is completed.
Consular officials have also been instructed not to approve visas already endorsed but not issued, or those printed but yet to be dispatched.
While officials haven't clarified the country-specific reasons, experts believe that countries like India are excluded due to robust documentation, adherence to U.S. standards, strong economic ties, and a lower “public charge” risk. India, particularly with skilled visas like H-1B, has strong cooperation with U.S. embassies.
Complete List of Countries with Visa Bans
The full list of affected countries includes Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, 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.
