The US Department of State has paused the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, due to high rates of public assistance usage by their immigrants at the expense of American taxpayers. The pause took effect on January 21, 2026, and applies only to immigrant visas that lead to permanent residency, or green cards. Nonimmigrant visas for tourists, students, and temporary workers remain unaffected.
This move enforces the principle that immigrants should be self-sufficient and not rely on US welfare programs. The State Department is reviewing screening and vetting policies to prevent new arrivals from becoming a public charge. The listed countries span South Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Europe and the Caribbean. Bangladesh is included based on data showing elevated welfare dependency among its nationals who have immigrated.
Critics of open immigration have long argued that unchecked inflows strain public resources, raise taxes on working Americans, and reduce opportunities for citizens. This policy directly addresses that concern by prioritizing fiscal responsibility and putting American interests first. Applications and interviews may continue, but no immigrant visas will be issued to affected nationals until the review concludes.
The full list of affected countries includes Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, 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, and Yemen.
This step sends a clear signal: legal immigration must benefit the United States, not burden its taxpayers.