ISLAMABAD: The United States has announced a temporary freeze on the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan, from January 21, while confirming that non-immigrant visas will continue to be processed, the US embassy said on Friday.
In an update on its website, the State Department said it is conducting a comprehensive review of immigration policies to ensure that migrants from what it describes as “high-risk” countries do not rely on public assistance or become a “public charge” in the United States.
“The Trump Administration is focused on protecting the American people by upholding the highest standards of screening and vetting of visa applicants. Effective January 21, the Department of State is pausing issuance to all immigrant visa applicants from selected countries, including Pakistan,” the embassy said in a statement.
“Secretary Rubio has instituted this pause until we can ensure that new immigrants have been vetted to the maximum degree to ensure their eligibility for a US visa, including that they will not use public assistance,” it said.
The statement further added that this action applies to the issuance of immigrant visas only. “It does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, such as those for tourists, students, athletes, skilled workers, and their families,” it said.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, addressing a weekly media briefing on Thursday, expressed optimism that the visa process would soon be resumed, noting that Pakistan considers the move to be part of an internal review.
“The United States is reviewing its visa policy, and we hope that visas for Pakistan will be restored soon,” the Spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan remains in contact with US authorities regarding immigration policies.
“We’re in contact with US authorities to get more information. This is a developing story that we are closely monitoring.”
He added, “We understand that this is part of a broader review of US immigration policies and procedures, and we hope that the regular processing of immigrant visas will resume soon.”
