Washington: The Trump administration has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Pakistan, marking one of its most significant immigration moves to date. The ban will come into effect on 21 January 2026.
Countries affected include Somalia, Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, Brazil, Egypt, Thailand, Yemen, and several South Asian neighbors of India, notably Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. India, however, is not on the list, meaning applicants seeking U.S. green cards or permanent residency are not impacted.
Pakistan Still on the List Despite Overtures
Pakistan’s inclusion is notable because Islamabad had reportedly gone to great lengths to please President Trump, especially after last year’s military tensions with India. Analysts note that Pakistan’s political and military leadership had adopted a conciliatory stance toward the U.S., with the Prime Minister publicly crediting Trump for a ceasefire. Yet, these gestures did not prevent Pakistan from being included in the visa suspension list.
Michael Kugelman, a South Asia analyst, commented, “Pakistan’s inclusion among the 75 countries under indefinite visa suspension highlights that improved ties with the U.S. were not enough to shield it from this move.” For Pakistan, the visa ban is considered a major diplomatic embarrassment, coinciding with the day its top leadership welcomed the son of Trump’s close associate Steve Witkoff.
Recent Developments in US-Pakistan Ties
On Wednesday, Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SC Financial Technology, a unit affiliated with Trump family’s crypto business firm, World Liberty Financial. The agreement signals ongoing financial and regulatory cooperation between Pakistan and entities linked to the Trump family, even as the visa ban takes effect.
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