🇺🇸 US Immigration Policy 2026: Travel Restrictions and Visa Suspension Mark a Historic Shift

By: ANASTACIO ALEGRIA

In the first weeks of 2026, the United States implemented one of the most sweeping overhauls of its immigration policy in decades, expanding travel restrictions, suspending the issuance of immigrant visas, and tightening entry controls. These measures, driven by President Donald Trump's administration, are having a significant impact on both visa applicants and migrant communities worldwide.

🛂 Indefinite Suspension of Visa Processing for 75 Countries

On January 14, 2026, the State Department announced that it will indefinitely suspend the issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries, effective January 21, as part of an effort to limit the entry of those who, according to the government, could become dependent on public assistance in the United States.

This measure does not directly affect tourist or business visas, but it does introduce stricter controls even in those processes, with additional evaluations of factors such as financial status and background.

Countries included in this suspension span regions of Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, Colombia, and Brazil, among others.

✈️ Travel Ban Expansion: More Countries and Categories Affected

In addition to the suspension of immigrant visas, the travel ban—the prohibition of entry—has been expanded since early 2026 to cover an even larger list of countries. These restrictions are organized into two levels:

Full Ban: Entry is prohibited with all types of visas (including tourist and student visas) for nationals of some designated countries.

Partial Restrictions: Certain visa categories (such as immigrant and student visas) are limited for nationals of other countries, although specific exceptions exist.

These restrictions went into effect on January 1, 2026, with the enactment of Presidential Proclamation 10998, which replaces and expands previous immigration bans.

👪 Impact on Migrant Families and Communities

The recent policies have had extraordinary consequences for families seeking reunification in the United States. For example, the cancellation of immigrant visas for parents and children of U.S. citizens has left many families in a state of legal and emotional uncertainty.

Human rights organizations have denounced these measures, which, taken together, place unprecedented obstacles to the legal and regular access of migrants and applicants with family ties to the United States.

⚖️ Criticism and Public Debate

The government's measures have generated intense debate. Proponents argue that these policies aim to strengthen national security and protect the country's social welfare system. On the other hand, critics—including academics, activists, and immigration experts—point out that these restrictions discriminate against and discourage legal migration, in addition to disproportionately affecting communities from African, Asian, and Latin American countries.

The debate also touches on broader historical and legal aspects, comparing some current provisions with past immigration barriers that limited the entry of foreigners based on national origin.

Here is the list of countries included in the suspension of immigrant visa processing, part of the expansion of the so-called travel ban in the United States that will take effect on January 21, 2026, and will affect 75 nations.

🌍 Affected Countries (List of 75)

Asia

Afghanistan

Bangladesh

Laos

Nepal

Pakistan

Uzbekistan

Eastern Europe / Caucasus

Albania

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Belarus

Bosnia

Kosovo

Moldova

North Macedonia

Montenegro

Africa

Algeria

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Congo

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Gambia

Ghana

Guinea

Nigeria

Rwanda

Senegal

Sierra Leone

Somalia

Sudan

South Sudan

Tanzania

Togo

Uganda

Middle East and North Africa Africa

Iran

Iraq

Jordan

Yemen

Morocco

Caribbean / Latin America

Antigua and Barbuda

Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Colombia

Cuba

Dominica

Guatemala

Haiti

Nicaragua

Uruguay

Brazil (although part of South America, it is often also included in this category)

📌 What this list means

Suspension of immigrant visas: Citizens of these countries will not be able to obtain new permanent resident visas (“green cards”) after January 21, 2026.

Does not affect temporary visas: The measure does not apply to most visitor, tourist, or business visas (such as B-1/B-2), nor to students and temporary travelers in many cases.

Exceptions: Current permanent residents and those who already have valid visas will not lose their status.