To strengthen its crackdown on legal immigrants, the US suspended immigrant visa processing in 75 countries, starting January 21, according to the State Department’s announcement on Wednesday. Some countries on this list raised questions about how it was created.
US bans immigrant visas to 75 countries
The inclusion of countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Libya, Iran, Myanmar, and Sudan makes sense due to their conflicts or history of sending problematic migrants to the US. However, many confused by the presence of more prosperous countries like Kuwait or those known for their positive global images, such as Thailand and Bhutan, as well as some Balkan nations. Even Brazil surprised many by being on the list.
Author-journalist Sadanand Dhume expressed his surprise at seeing Kuwait, Thailand, Brazil, and Uruguay on the State Department’s temporary visa ban list. He mentioned that while he not shocked to see Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, Bhutan notable. He noted that many Bhutanese refugees in the US are ethnic Nepalis who forced out of Bhutan between 1990 and 1992.
Not banned India
Dhume also explained why India was not on the list. He said that migrants from India have very low rates of welfare dependency in both the US and Europe. He argued that it wouldn’t make sense to include India if the goal is to target those who burden the welfare system.
Several countries affected by this decision have shown surprise. Thailand, caught off guard by its inclusion on the list, summoned the US Charge d’affaires in Bangkok on Thursday to request urgent clarification, according to Thai media outlet Thaiger. It’s important to note that Thailand is a popular destination for American tourists and often depicted in US media as a warm and active country.
Despite Pakistan’s close ties with the US and Army Chief Asim Munir’s multiple meetings with US President Trump after Operation Sindoor, Pakistan still made it onto the list. Now, its citizens face an indefinite pause in immigrant visa processing.
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