US visa suspension sparks concern among Pakistanis

Pakistani immigration agents and citizens on Thursday voiced concern after the administration of US President Donald Trump announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Pakistan, as part of a tougher immigration crackdown.

A US State Department spokesperson said the suspension would take effect from January 21 and would apply to immigrant visa applicants from a wide range of regions. These include South Asian countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, Latin American states including Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay, Balkan countries like Bosnia and Albania, as well as several nations across Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

Speaking to Reuters in Karachi, travel and immigration agent Mohammad Yaseen termed the move worrying for thousands of applicants who had been waiting for years. “All these people who were waiting for a long time for their visas, and even had appointment dates, will now be affected as their visas are suspended,” he said.

Local banker Amar Ali said the decision could also hurt Pakistan’s economy, noting that many Pakistanis working in the United States send remittances back home. “This ban will economically dent Pakistan because overseas Pakistanis contribute significantly by sending dollars,” he said.

Another resident, Anwer Farooqui, urged President Trump to reconsider the move and exclude Pakistan from the suspension. He said Pakistan had long been a reliable partner of the United States and should be treated accordingly.

According to a State Department cable sent to US missions, the decision was partly based on indications that nationals from the listed countries had sought public benefits in the United States. The move was first reported by Fox News.

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The suspension does not apply to US visitor visas, which remain unaffected as the United States prepares to host major international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.

The decision follows a directive issued in November, instructing US diplomats to ensure that visa applicants are financially self-sufficient and unlikely to rely on government assistance during their stay.

Since returning to office in January, President Trump has pursued a wide-ranging immigration crackdown, with federal agents deployed to major US cities. The stepped-up enforcement has sparked protests and, in some cases, violent confrontations involving migrants and US citizens.