US halts immigrant visas for Bangladesh, 74 other countries

The United States has suspended the processing of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, marking a major escalation in immigration restrictions under President Donald Trump.

The freeze will take effect on January 21, and authorities have not specified when, or if, the suspension will be lifted. The decision applies to immigrant visas, which are typically issued to individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States.

In a statement on Wednesday, the United States Department of State said it would rely on existing legal authority to halt visa processing based on nationality. While the US has historically denied visas to applicants deemed likely to depend on public welfare, officials confirmed that the same provision is now being applied broadly to entire countries.

This marks a shift from individual-based assessments to a nationality-based suspension, drawing concern from immigration advocates and affected countries. The State Department did not provide a detailed explanation of the criteria used to select the 75 countries.

Bangladeshis seeking permanent residence in the US-through family sponsorship, employment, or diversity programs-are expected to face immediate disruption. Immigration lawyers warn that the suspension could leave thousands of applications in limbo, affecting families, workers, and employers.

The move is part of a wider crackdown on immigration since Trump returned to office, reinforcing a policy approach centered on limiting foreign entry and tightening controls on permanent migration pathways.

No exemptions or alternative arrangements were announced, and US embassies and consulates in the affected countries have reportedly been instructed to stop processing immigrant visa cases until further notice.