BANGKOK, THAILAND – The United States announced a pause on immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Thailand, starting January 21, 2026.
Details of the visa pause
The US Embassy in Bangkok said on 27 March that the US State Department would suspend the issuance of all immigrant visas for citizens of the listed countries from early 2026. During the pause, applicants could still submit applications and attend consular interviews, but no visas would be granted.
The measure applied to countries whose immigrants were assessed as having a high rate of reliance on public assistance funded by US taxpayers. The announcement indicated that applications already in process would not be cancelled, but their final approval would remain on hold until the pause was lifted.
Exceptions were planned for dual nationals holding valid passports from countries not on the list. Children adopted by American families were also exempted under the policy.
Background to the decision
According to the embassy, the step formed part of a broader review of immigration from so‑called high‑risk countries. The goal was to ensure that new arrivals did not unlawfully depend on US welfare programs or become a public charge.
The decision aligned with policies of President Donald Trump, who had emphasized financial self‑reliance for immigrants. He had repeatedly argued that newcomers should not become a burden on American taxpayers.
The review was framed as a preventative measure rather than a response to a specific incident. Authorities aimed to adjust admission criteria to reflect concerns over long‑term public spending.
Affected countries
The full list of 75 affected states included, among others, Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh and Brazil. Thailand was among the countries named, raising concerns over future migration plans for Thai citizens.
The scope of the move meant that immigrant families from a wide geographical range would face delays or uncertainty. For many Thai nationals, the pause could disrupt timelines for relocation, family reunification or long‑term settlement in the United States.
Officials did not specify how long the suspension would remain in place. The measure was tied to the outcome of the ongoing policy review.
Guidance for Thai nationals
The US Embassy in Bangkok urged affected Thai nationals to assess carefully whether they qualified for one of the limited exemptions. It directed applicants to consult the State Department website for the latest procedural information.
The mission underlined the importance of staying informed about new rules and deadlines. Applicants were encouraged to review their options early and take timely action as policies evolved.
Public reaction and open questions
The announcement prompted debate over the long‑term direction of US immigration policy. Readers were invited to consider whether the visa suspension would reshape patterns of legal migration.
“What do you think of the US government’s decision to pause visa issuance for certain countries? Do you believe this will influence immigration policy in the long term?”
said Khaosod English, the source of the report.
The outlet called on the public to share experiences and opinions on the impact of the measure. It encouraged discussion on how the pause could affect families and individuals planning to move to the United States.