State Department to Suspend Immigrant Visa Processing for Nationals of 75 Countries Beginning January 21, 2026
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On December 17, 2025, President Trump signed a new Presidential Proclamation titled “Strengthening National Security Through Common Sense Restrictions Based on Data,” significantly expanding and tightening U.S. entry restrictions on foreign nationals from designated countries.
The Proclamation is based on findings of persistent deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing practices, which the Administration cites as posing national security and public safety concerns.
The Proclamation continues full restrictions on nationals from the original 12 high-risk countries designated under Proclamation 10949:
It adds full entry restrictions for nationals of the following countries based on recent assessments:
Additionally, individuals holding Palestinian Authority–issued travel documents are now subject to full entry limitations.
Two countries previously under partial restrictions—Laos and Sierra Leone—are now subject to full restrictions.
The Proclamation continues partial restrictions for nationals of:
It also adds partial entry restrictions for nationals of the following 15 countries:
Notably, the Proclamation lifts the ban on nonimmigrant visas for Turkmen nationals, while maintaining the suspension of immigrant visa entry for Turkmen citizens.
The Proclamation includes important exceptions, including for:
While the Proclamation narrows broad family-based immigrant visa exemptions due to documented fraud concerns, it preserves discretionary, case-by-case waivers.
These expanded restrictions will have far-reaching consequences for families, employers, and students. Individuals impacted by the Proclamation should seek legal guidance to determine whether an exception or waiver may apply and to explore alternative immigration options.
The attorneys at Abdelhadi & Associates, PC will continue to monitor developments and provide timely updates and strategic guidance on these and other immigration matters.