On January 14, 2026, Fox News reported on a U.S. State Department memo that would indefinitely suspend visa processing for visitors from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026.
In a post to X, the State Department wrote: The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.
At the time of this alert, the State Department and the White House have issued additional information, including an official list of countries, or any exceptions.
As more official information is provided, Erickson Immigration Group will share additional alerts and updates.
According to Fox News, the memo directs U.S. embassies and consular officers to refuse visas until the vetting procedures are reassessed. No time frame was provided.
Background
On December 16, 2025, President Trump issued a new Presidential Proclamation (Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States) that significantly expands and modifies travel restrictions on foreign nationals from countries deemed to pose national security and public safety risks. This action builds on Executive Order 14161 and Proclamation 10949, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to enhanced screening and vetting measures.
Effective January 1, 2026, the proclamation:
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Continues full suspension of entry for nationals of 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
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Continues partial suspension for nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela.
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Adds full suspension for nationals of Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Syria, and individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority-issued documents.
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Imposes partial restrictions on nationals of 15 additional countries: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
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Modifies restrictions for Turkmenistan, lifting nonimmigrant visa bans but maintaining immigrant visa suspension.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news becomes available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.