This episode examines the U.S. State Department’s decision to indefinitely suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a policy set to take effect on January 21, 2026. The discussion explains how the directive, issued under the Trump administration, is intended to tighten screening procedures and limit the entry of individuals deemed likely to become a financial burden on taxpayers. The episode clarifies which visa categories are affected—primarily immigrant visas tied to permanent residency and employment—while noting the continued availability of non-immigrant options such as tourist, student, and business visas. It also explores the potential scale of the impact, with experts estimating that more than 300,000 legal immigrants per year could be blocked, despite exemptions for dual nationals and certain athletes connected to major international sporting events. By highlighting the wide geographic scope of the affected countries and the lack of a clear timeline for resuming normal processing, the episode underscores the uncertainty facing families, workers, and employers around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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