UPDATE: Immigrant Visa Issuance Suspended for 75 Countries

As an immigration law firm committed to keeping our community informed, we are reporting a major development at the U.S. Department of State. Effective January 21, 2026, a memorandum has been issued indefinitely pausing the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of the 75 countries listed below.

Why is this happening? The administration cites "public charge" concerns, claiming the suspension is necessary to reassess vetting procedures. However, legal experts argue this is an unlawful nationality-based ban that bypasses the individualized, case-by-case assessment required by U.S. law.

LITIGATION UPDATE: CLINIC v. Rubio Please be advised that litigation is already underway to challenge this directive. The lawsuit, titled CLINIC v. Rubio, was filed by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), and other advocacy groups. The litigation asserts that the memo is discriminatory and violates the Administrative Procedure Act.

Impacted Countries: 🌎 The Americas Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay.

🌍 Africa Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda.

🌏 Asia-Pacific Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Fiji, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Syria, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Yemen. 🌏 Europe Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia.

What does this mean for you?

• Non-immigrant visas (tourist, student, etc.) are generally not affected.

• Adjustment of Status within the U.S. is currently not subject to this memo.

• The legal landscape is shifting rapidly as the courts review CLINIC v. Rubio.

If you or a loved one are impacted by this suspension, it is vital to stay informed on the progress of this litigation. Contact our office for a strategy session to discuss your specific case. Reach us at 201-875-2600.