Trump Immigrant Visa Suspension 2026: A Sudden Wall for 75 Nations
The Trump administration has suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Thailand, in January 2026. This policy targets legal migration routes citing welfare concerns.
They've shaken hands, but the fist remains clenched. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the international community, the Trump administration announced an indefinite pause on processing immigrant visa applications from 75 countries, including Thailand, as of January 2026. The decision is upending the lives of thousands who were on the verge of starting new lives in the United States, proving that legal migration is no longer a guaranteed path.
Trump Immigrant Visa Suspension 2026 Triggered by Welfare Concerns
According to the US Department of State, the freeze was implemented because migrants from these targetted nations were allegedly claiming welfare benefits at "unacceptable rates." This suspension covers several categories, including EB-class employment visas and K-class spousal visas. For many, like Bangkok-based tutor Khaochat Mankong, the news is a bitter irony; her American husband even voted for Donald Trump, yet now they face an indefinite separation despite her financial self-sufficiency.
Historic Alliances Under Unprecedented Strain
Thailand, a key US treaty ally since 1833, has expressed profound disappointment. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow noted that such a move is "not good for the relationship," especially given Thailand's role in the US's regional strategy. This diplomatic friction is compounded by economic pressure, as Thai exports have faced a 19 percent tariff since last August. While some US-based residents support the measure to save tax dollars, critics argue the administration is creating impossible red tape to discourage all forms of migration.
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