WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES – The United States government suspended visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Thailand, with no set end date.
Global visa halt ordered from Washington
The US government ordered that visa processing for applicants from 75 countries be temporarily suspended. The measure affected people from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, including Thailand, and had been in force since 21 January without a time limit.
According to US broadcaster Fox News, the directive came directly from the US State Department. Officials said the aim was to prevent people from entering who might later be considered a “public burden” on the American welfare system, a move described as drastic with major consequences for millions.
Consulates told to reject applications
Internal State Department documents showed that consular officers worldwide were instructed to reject visa applications from the affected countries on the basis of existing laws. At the same time, a comprehensive reassessment of screening and control procedures was under way within the State Department.
This meant that even complete applications with correct documentation had no chance of approval. The measure was to remain in place until internal processes were reviewed and adjusted, and officials gave no concrete end date for the suspension.
75 countries facing immediate fallout
The list of affected states was extensive and politically sensitive, including Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Yemen and Thailand. In total, citizens of 75 countries were, for the time being, unable to enter the United States through regular visa channels.
For many people, the halt meant cancelled study plans, scrapped business trips and separated families. The impact was particularly severe for countries from which large numbers of people traditionally emigrated to the US or sought work there.
‘Public charge’ test tightened
As early as November of the previous year, the State Department had instructed all embassies and consulates to apply stricter rules. The basis was the so‑called “public charge” clause in US immigration law.
Officials were required to assess whether applicants might in future depend on state benefits. They evaluated factors such as health, age, English‑language skills, financial situation and the possible need for long‑term medical care.
A spokesperson for the State Department said:
“The Department will use its long-standing authorities to screen immigrants who could become a burden on US society.”
said the State Department spokesperson.
Trump deepens hardline immigration course
The visa freeze formed part of a strict migration policy pursued by US President Donald Trump since taking office in January. He had previously announced and implemented extensive measures targeting migrants.
In November, Trump had even vowed to halt immigration permanently from so‑called Third World countries. He made the pledge after a deadly incident near the White House, in which an Afghan perpetrator shot and killed a member of the National Guard.
Uncertain duration fuels global concern
How long the visa suspension would last and whether any exceptions might be introduced remained completely unclear. Observers noted that the world was watching Washington with dismay as the US further tightened its immigration regime.