This is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney for your needs.
What: The State Department issued a new policy on January 14, 2026, that will suspend processing of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan. Many of these countries are already on either a full or partial travel ban list.
When: The policy takes effect on January 21, 2026.
Who: The policy affects nationals of the 75 listed countries seeking immigrant visas. According to the State Department, this policy does not apply to currently valid immigrant visas or non-immigrant visas (such as tourist visas).
Why: The State Department has justified the policy by asserting that immigrants from the listed countries may rely on public assistance and create a financial burden for the U.S.
For months, members of the South Asian Coalition have been supporting community members affected by recent changes in immigration policies and heightened immigration enforcement. The new State Department policy deepens these fears and uncertainties by reinforcing harmful narratives and stigmatizing South Asian and other immigrants.
We encourage community members with questions about the new policy to reach out to trusted immigration lawyers and South Asian organizations in your area. Please visit www.southasiancoalition.org for a list of member groups that support South Asian communities. We will continue to share any additional updates here and @southasianamericancoalition on Instagram.
Resources
*Fragomen Global LLP Alert (1/14)
*South Asian American Justice Collaborative (SAAJCO) Statement
*Opposing the Entry Ban Solidarity Statement, led by Muslims for Just Futures and UndocuBlack and endorsed by over 220 groups
*Muslim for Just Futures’ Responding to the Authoritarian Ban Hub