The Trump administration suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2025, targeting people deemed likely to become a "public charge" and rely on government benefits. The freeze applied globally across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, with limited exceptions for dual nationals or those serving "America First" interests, and consular officers were required to refuse cases where visas had been approved but not yet printed. On August 21, 2026, a federal court struck down the policy, ruling it violated federal immigration law and exceeded the Secretary of State's authority, vacating the suspension and allowing affected visa cases to be reconsidered, though approval is not guaranteed.