The United States State Department has announced it will pause the issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries starting January 21, 2026. This suspension affects a total of 11 CARICOM nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamaica.
Immigrant visas are specifically issued for individuals seeking permanent residence in the United States. According to a report by CNN, the pause follows increased scrutiny under the “public charge” provision of immigration law. This provision aims to identify individuals who the U.S. government believes may become a burden on public resources.
Tommy Piggott, a spokesman for the State Department, explained that the department will utilize its long-standing authority to deem certain potential immigrants ineligible if they are deemed likely to become public charges. “The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” Piggott stated.
During this pause, the State Department intends to reassess its immigration processing procedures to ensure that foreign nationals who may rely on welfare and public benefits will not be admitted. Many of the countries impacted by this visa processing suspension were already part of the administration’s expanded travel ban list.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of this decision on citizens of the affected nations remain to be seen, particularly for those seeking new opportunities in the United States.
