The United States has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, targeting individuals seeking permanent residency based on nationality. The move, set to take effect on January 21, excludes tourist and temporary work visas, but is expected to have a significant impact on family-based immigration.

Reasons behind the visa freeze

The US State Department said the suspension aims to prevent the entry of foreign nationals likely to require government welfare and public benefits. “The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.

While the administration cites the risk of immigrants draining government resources, studies by the Cato Institute and other research groups suggest immigrants generally use fewer benefits than US-born citizens.

Who will not be affected

Temporary visas for tourists, business travelers, and sports fans remain unaffected. Exceptions are also allowed for individuals with dual nationality, a valid passport from a country not on the list, or travel serving an “America First” national interest. Approved visas that have not yet been printed must be refused according to the State Department.

Countries affected

The visa freeze covers nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Some of the most affected countries include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, and Thailand.

Other countries on the full list include Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Myanmar, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

Trump administration immigration record

The Trump administration has already imposed stricter vetting procedures over the past year, revoking over 100,000 visas and deporting more than 605,000 people, with 2.5 million others leaving voluntarily. Critics highlight that the policy disproportionately affects immigrants from non-European countries.

On the occasion of Army Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to the Indian Army, describing its soldiers as a symbol of selfless service who protect the nation with unwavering resolve, even in the most challenging circumstances.

In a message shared on social media platform X, the prime minister said the country salutes the courage and steadfast commitment of Indian Army personnel. He noted that their dedication to duty inspires confidence and gratitude among citizens across the country.

“Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions,” PM Modi said. He added that the nation remembers with deep respect those who have laid down their lives while serving the country.

Army Day is observed every year on January 15 to commemorate a historic moment in India’s military history. The day marks the appointment of Field Marshal K M Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, when he took over from British officer General Sir F R R Bucher.

The occasion serves as a reminder of the Indian Army’s role in defending the country’s sovereignty and honour, as well as the sacrifices made by its personnel in the line of duty.

International flights operated by Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet were disrupted on Thursday after Iran abruptly shut its airspace to commercial aircraft, triggering delays and cancellations on several long-haul routes.

Iran ordered the closure of its airspace without providing an official explanation, as tensions remain elevated between Tehran and Washington and protests continue across the country against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Indian airlines issue travel advisories

Air India said its flights overflying the region are now operating through alternative routes, resulting in longer flight times and possible delays. The airline also confirmed that some services have been cancelled where rerouting is not feasible.

“Due to the emerging situation in Iran and the subsequent closure of its airspace, Air India flights overflying the region are using alternate routing, which may lead to delays. Some flights are being cancelled where rerouting is currently not possible,” the airline said in a statement on social media.

Passengers were advised to check flight status before travelling to the airport, with the airline reiterating that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.

IndiGo also acknowledged disruptions to its international network, describing the situation as a “sudden airspace closure” beyond the airline’s control. The carrier said it is working to assist affected passengers by offering alternative travel options.

Customers have been advised to use flexible rebooking options or claim refunds, depending on their preference.

SpiceJet issued a similar advisory, confirming that some of its flights have been impacted due to the closure of Iranian airspace.

Airspace shutdown linked to regional security concerns

According to official notices issued to pilots, Iran’s airspace closure is expected to remain in place until 7:30 am local time. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows earlier shutdowns during military confrontations involving Israel earlier this year.

Aviation risk monitoring platforms have noted that several international airlines are already avoiding Iranian airspace, citing concerns over possible military activity, air defence operations and the risk of misidentification of civilian aircraft.

The situation continues to be monitored closely, with further disruptions possible if the airspace restrictions are extended.