U.S. Visa Suspension: What Does This Really Mean for Those Who Dream of a Green Card?
- Murtaz Navsariwala
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
The U.S. Department of State has announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries around the world.
The decision has raised concerns among thousands of people pursuing the American Dream. But in the end, who is really affected? And most importantly: what should you do now?
In this article, you’ll clearly and strategically understand everything no one is explaining about this measure - and most importantly, how to stay on track with your plan to legally live in the U.S.
Table of Content
What is happening with U.S. visas?
On January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries - including Brazil, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Ukraine, and others.
This measure is part of a review of immigration policy, focusing on the “public charge” rule, which assesses whether an immigrant may become dependent on public assistance in the U.S.
What is the "Public Charge" rule?
"Public charge" is a legal concept used by the U.S. government to deny green card applications from individuals who might rely on public benefits.
The rule dates back to 1882, when U.S. immigration law began allowing entry to be denied to immigrants considered financially unstable or unable to support themselves.
Today, it is still used to evaluate the financial risk and likelihood of using public assistance.
Who will be affected by this suspension?
Affected immigrants:
Citizens of any of the 75 listed countries who are applying for a green card through consular processing, i.e., from outside the United States.
If your case is being processed through a U.S. consulate and you are at the interview stage, your case may be temporarily paused.
Not affected:
Adjustment of Status cases inside the U.S. (via USCIS)
Temporary visas such as tourism (B-2), business (B-1), study (F-1), and temporary work (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
Green cards already issued
Why is only the consular process impacted?
During the Trump administration, stricter public charge rules were introduced for Adjustment of Status cases within the U.S., requiring a specific form and detailed financial information such as:
Income, assets, and debts
Public benefits history
Financial and educational profile
These rules still exist, although somewhat relaxed under the Biden administration. However, in consular cases, there is no standardized form for this type of assessment.
This makes the evaluation more subjective and likely explains why the U.S. government chose to temporarily suspend consular cases while new guidelines are developed.
How long will the suspension last?
The suspension took effect on January 21, 2026, and is currently indefinite, meaning no official end date has been announced.
However, the U.S. government stated that this is a temporary measure aimed at reviewing and standardizing public charge assessment in consular processing.
It also announced that country-by-country reviews may occur, depending on the risk of reliance on public assistance.
Has this happened before?
Yes. In 2025, the U.S. government temporarily suspended student visa processing while updating internal rules for social media screening.
There was no defined end date for that suspension either, but the process resumed within about three weeks after the new guidelines were implemented.
In other words: this is not the first time the U.S. has used a temporary and technical pause in certain visa categories. And just like before, the expectation is that the system will resume with clearer rules.
Also read: The 5 Cheapest Cities to Live in the USA
Why does this information matter to you?
Because you have a dream and it should not be put on hold due to fear or misinformation.
This suspension does not mean the end of your plan to live in the U.S. It is temporary and may be the perfect time to strengthen your case and prepare better.
While many may give up, you can:
Organize your documents
Clarify your immigration goals
Seek personalized legal guidance, not just online speculation
Those who are well-guided, strategic, and prepared continue moving forward, even in uncertain times.
This temporary suspension is not the end of the road.
With the right strategy, quality information, and expert legal support, you can still get your green card and achieve your dream of living legally in the U.S.
👉 Want to find out your real chances of living legally in the United States?
About Murtaz Law
With more than a decade of experience, we take pride in guiding families and individuals on their journey to legally immigrate to the USA, whether temporarily or permanently.
Our success story spans a variety of cases, including temporary immigration, family reunification, naturalization, and especially, work visas like the EB2-NIW, which leads to the Green Card. Over the years, we have built a solid reputation and become a reference for skilled professionals, artists, and elite athletes who wish to expand their careers or undertake ventures in the USA.
Our 99.5% approval rate in cases demonstrates our commitment to a personalized approach, combining ethics, creativity, and deep knowledge of the laws and economic issues. We recognize that each client has a unique story and work side by side, individually, to create tailored strategies that achieve the desired outcomes. We take the importance of our work in our clients' lives seriously. Your future deserves a unique strategy, and we at Murtaz Law have the experience and expertise to meet your immigration needs.
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