In a sweeping new directive, the Trump Administration has ordered an immediate freeze on the issuance of U.S. immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries. This significant expansion of immigration restrictions has left thousands of applicants in limbo and raises urgent questions about the future of their green card journeys.
While the Department of State has confirmed that consular operations will continue to some extent, the final step of the actual issuance of the visa stamp has been halted for these specific nationals. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions regarding this new policy and what it means for your application.
Understanding the Scope of the Freeze
The new guidance explicitly targets green cards only (immigrant visa applicants) who are nationals of the 75 affected countries. Unlike previous travel bans that often stopped all entry, this policy creates a unique status where applications are processed but green cards are not issued. This distinction is critical for applicants currently in the pipeline. Non-Immigrant visas (TN, E-2, E-1, H1-B, L-1 and B-1 among other) are not impacted by this policy change.
What Happens to My Interview Appointment?
According to the Department of State, the freeze does not stop the administrative machinery entirely. The Department confirmed that applications are still being accepted, meaning you may still submit your visa application (DS-260) and supporting civil documents. Furthermore, the Department will continue to schedule applicants for interviews at U.S. Consulates and Embassies.
However, the critical bottleneck remains the final issuance. You can attend your interview and have your case adjudicated, but no immigrant visa will be issued to nationals of the affected countries during this pause. Your case will effectively be placed in a “refused” status pending administrative processing until the freeze is lifted.
List of Affected Countries
The list includes U.S. allies and adversaries alike, spanning the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Nationals from the following countries are subject to the immigrant visa freeze:
The Americas
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Antigua and Barbuda
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Bahamas
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Barbados
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Belize
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Brazil
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Colombia
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Cuba
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Dominica
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Grenada
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Guatemala
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Haiti
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Jamaica
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Nicaragua
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St. Kitts and Nevis
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St. Lucia
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St. Vincent and the Grenadines
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Uruguay
Europe
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Albania
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Belarus
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Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Kosovo
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Moldova
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Montenegro
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North Macedonia
Asia-Pacific
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Afghanistan
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Armenia
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Azerbaijan
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Bangladesh
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Bhutan
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Cambodia
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Fiji
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Georgia
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Iran
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Iraq
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Jordan
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Kazakhstan
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Kuwait
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Kyrgyzstan
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Laos
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Lebanon
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Mongolia
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Myanmar
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Nepal
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Pakistan
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Russia
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Syria
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Thailand
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Uzbekistan
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Yemen
Africa
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Algeria
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Cameroon
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Cape Verde
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Côte d’Ivoire
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Egypt
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Eritrea
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Ethiopia
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Ghana
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Guinea
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Liberia
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Libya
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Morocco
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Nigeria
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Republic of the Congo
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Rwanda
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Senegal
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Sierra Leone
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Somalia
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South Sudan
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Sudan
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Tanzania
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The Gambia
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Togo
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Tunisia
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Uganda
Key Exemptions and Clarifications
Amidst the confusion, the administration has carved out specific exceptions and clarifications to ensure that not all travel is halted.
Dual Nationals Exemptions
There is a significant exemption for dual citizens. If you are a national of one of the 75 affected countries but also hold a valid passport from a country not on the list, you are exempt from this pause. You may proceed with your application using your non-affected passport.
Impact on Current Visa Holders
The guidance is prospective, meaning it applies to new issuances. No existing immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance. If you already have your immigrant visa stamp in your passport, it remains valid for travel.
It is important to note that questions regarding actual admission at the port of entry fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). However, a valid and unexpired visa generally permits you to travel to the U.S. border to seek admission.
Tourist and Non-Immigrant Visas
Crucially, this freeze is specific to immigrant visas, which are for people moving to the U.S. permanently. It does not apply to non-immigrant visas. Categories such as B-1/B-2 tourist visas, F-1 student visas, H-1B skilled worker visas, and E-2 investor visas are not affected. If you are applying for a tourist visa or another temporary category, standard processing remains in effect.
Strategic Advice
Our firm advises clients not to cancel their appointments if they are scheduled. Because the Department is continuing to process applications up to the point of issuance, attending your interview ensures your place in line. If the freeze is lifted, your case will be ready to issue rather than stuck at the beginning of the scheduling queue.
Moving Forward
This policy is fluid and subject to change and potential legal challenges. If you are a national of one of the 75 affected countries, it is vital to stay informed and prepared.
If you have questions about how this freeze impacts your specific case or if you qualify for an exemption as a dual national, schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your strategy.
