Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Trump administration has ordered an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, which include at least 25 African countries. The administration cited concerns that applicants could become a “public charge” and draw on American welfare and public benefits.
Poor social and economic conditions and strife-ridden politics in several African countries are some of the main reasons why African nationals seek refuge in the US. But the White House has its reasons for restricting visas to these nationals.
Immigration overstays
It has moved Sierra Leone to the full ban list from the partial list, noting it has a high rate of immigrant overstays. The administration also says that its capital, Freetown, has been unwilling to take back its deported nationals. In early 2025, the US revoked all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and stopped issuing new ones after the South Sudanese government failed to cooperate in accepting deportees from the United States.
Submerged in one of the bloodiest wars in the world, Sudan is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Millions of Sudanese have been displaced and seeking refuge in the US. Libya is on the list for its “historic terrorist presence,” which poses a national security threat to U.S. nationals, according to the White House.
Somalis under scanner
Trump brought additional attention to Somali populations in the United States after the November National Guard shooting, despite admitting there was no connection. The President has claimed that citizens from the country are “completely taking over” Minnesota, where a large number of Somali refugees have settled. The decision on indefinite pause, which takes effect on January 21, directs US consular officers worldwide to halt processing of immigrant visas while the department reassesses its screening and vetting procedures under existing immigration law. The pause will remain in place until the reassessment is completed.
The move also affects countries in Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America.