US suspends immigrant visas of 75 countries

Washington, D.C.: The U.S. Department of State has stopped processing specific immigrant visas because of its objection to public expenditure concerns.

The Department suspended all visa applications from 75 countries, which include Bangladesh according to an official announcement that took effect on January 21, 2026.

The authorities based their decision on research that demonstrated that people from these countries received state-funded assistance programs at higher rates than other immigrant groups, which created worries about the financial effects on U.S. taxpayers.

The suspension only affects immigrant visas, which grant permanent residency rights to people who want to live in the United States. The Department announced that all visa types, which include tourist, business, and student visas, will continue to be processed according to standard procedures.

The officials declared that their decision represents a comprehensive strategy that aims to examine immigration regulations while assuring that new residents possess adequate financial resources for their maintenance. The suspension will continue until authorities complete their evaluation of immigration patterns and their subsequent assessment of long-term policy reforms.

The authorities have not yet released information about how long the suspension will last or which cases will be exempt from the suspension.