US suspends immigrant visas from 75 countries — here’s the full list

January 17, 2026 by Nadia

The impact cuts across professions and backgrounds. Skilled workers, students, caregivers, and retirees are all subject to the same pause. Lengthy application histories—forms filed, interviews completed, documents verified—now risk being overtaken by an administrative decision that applies broadly rather than individually.

While officials have pointed to “limited exceptions,” advocates caution that such pathways are narrow and difficult to obtain. For most applicants, the prospect of qualifying for a waiver remains uncertain, offering little reassurance amid already fragile plans.

Some families are racing to submit paperwork before the deadline. Others are exploring appeals or humanitarian options. Many, however, have no immediate recourse and must adjust to the possibility that their plans will remain on hold indefinitely.