US Suspends Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries Including Bangladesh

Diplomatic Correspondent, Dhaka- The United States has suspended the issuance of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh.

The announcement was made today, Saturday (April 25), via an official post on the US Embassy in Dhaka’s Facebook page.

The US Department of State clarified that this suspension aims to reduce the financial burden on American taxpayers.

According to the directive, these 75 countries have high rates of immigrants receiving government public assistance.

However, the embassy emphasized that this suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as tourist or student visas.

The directive, which has been in effect since January 21, follows the “Public Charge” and financial self-sufficiency policies mentioned on the US administration’s travel website.

President Trump’s administration stated that immigrants must be financially self-reliant and cannot become a financial burden on the US government.

The list of affected countries includes Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Myanmar, Nepal, and several nations across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Dual citizens holding a valid passport from a country not on this list will remain exempt from this suspension.

The State Department is currently reviewing screening and verification policies to ensure that immigrants from “high-risk” nations do not rely on public welfare.