US pauses immigrant visas for Thais, 74 other countries

2026-03-27 - 07:41

The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok announced on 27 March that the U.S. Department of State has paused all immigrant visa issuances to nationals of 75 countries, including Thailand, effective 21 January 2026. According to the Department of State, the pause affects countries “whose immigrants have a high rate of collecting public assistance at the expense of the U.S. taxpayer.” Applicants can still submit applications and attend interviews, but no visas will be issued during the pause. Exceptions apply for dual nationals with valid passports from countries not on the list and children being adopted by American families. Some cases may also receive National Interest Exceptions under Presidential Proclamation 10998. The policy is part of a broader review to ensure immigrants from high-risk countries do not unlawfully rely on U.S. welfare programs or become a public charge. The move aligns with guidance from former President Donald Trump, who emphasized that immigrants should be financially self-sufficient and not be a burden on American taxpayers. The full list of affected countries includes Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. The embassy urged affected Thai nationals to review eligibility for exceptions and check the Department of State website for updates.