US Visa Restrictions: 75 Countries Affected, Including Colombia

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<a href="https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/newsroom/press-releases.releaseId.21321.html" title="Visa Unveils Slate of New Services to Power Client Growth" rel="noopener">US Visa Restrictions</a> for Citizens of Select Countries

US Visa Restrictions for Citizens of Select Countries

As of January 14, 2026, teh United States has implemented restrictions on the processing of⁢ immigrant visas for citizens of numerous countries. this action, initiated by the Biden administration, builds upon previous policies and aims to address concerns regarding potential reliance on public benefits by new immigrants. While the initial policy was enacted under the Trump administration, it has been modified and continues to be enforced.

Background and Policy Changes

The policy stems from a November 2020 memorandum issued ⁣during⁤ the Trump administration,directing consular officers to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to become public charges. This means individuals who are projected to rely on government assistance for basic needs. ⁢The Biden administration has continued to enforce this‍ policy, though with some modifications to ensure fairness and clarity. The current restrictions, announced in January 2026, temporarily pause the processing of immigrant visas ⁣for citizens of a specified list of countries while the State ⁣Department reviews screening procedures.

Countries Affected

The list of countries currently affected includes:

  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahamas
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belize
  • Bhutan
  • Bosnia
  • Brazil
  • Burma (Myanmar)
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Cabo Verde
  • Costa de Marfil
  • Cuba
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Dominica
  • Egypt
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Fiji
  • Gambia
  • Georgia
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guinea
  • Haiti
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Jamaica
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kosovo
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Lebanon
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Macedonia
  • Moldova
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • Nepal
  • Nicaragua
  • Nigeria
  • 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
  • Yemen

This list is based on‍ reporting from Reuters ⁢and NBC News.

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