Pakistan hit with major setback as US halts immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries
Summary
The US has paused issuing immigrant visas to nationals from 75 countries, including Pakistan, due to concerns over potential misuse of public welfare benefits, effective from January 21, 2026.
Key Points
- The US Department of State announced a pause on issuing immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan.
- The decision is based on concerns about immigrants becoming a financial burden by using public welfare benefits.
- The policy, ordered by President Donald Trump, enforces that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient.
- Nonimmigrant visas are not affected; only immigrant visas are paused until the review is complete.
