America shuts the door on immigrants from 75 countries, but not everyone is affected

The United States has frozen immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, triggering fear and uncertainty among millions who had been waiting for years to begin a new life in America legally.

The decision, taken under the Trump administration’s latest immigration crackdown, effectively suspends asylum-linked, family-based, and other immigrant applications from dozens of countries across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and parts of Europe. Among the affected nations are Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Nigeria, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, Venezuela, Brazil, Russia, and several others.

For Pakistanis in particular, the move has been devastating. Thousands who were preparing cases based on political, religious, or humanitarian grounds have now seen their applications put on indefinite hold. Many are already inside the United States and now face the frightening reality of living under the constant risk of detention or deportation, dependent on the discretion of immigration authorities.

During visits to the U.S. in 2024, dozens of Pakistanis spoke of entering through dangerous routes, including the Mexico border and South American transit corridors, risking their lives in hopes of one day legalising their status. With this suspension, their futures have suddenly become uncertain.

Important clarification:

The U.S. government has confirmed that non-immigrant visas are NOT affected by this decision.

• Visit visas (B1/B2)
• Student visas (F and M categories)
• Temporary and short-term travel visas
  will continue to be processed as usual.

Officials say the suspension is part of a broader review of immigration systems, citing security and economic concerns. Critics, however, argue that the move effectively freezes the American Dream for millions who followed legal pathways and waited patiently for years.

For now, hope survives only for those coming to America to study or visit. For immigrants, the door has been shut, without a timeline for when, or if, it will reopen.