Islamabad — The US Embassy in Islamabad clarified on Friday that the Trump administration’s pause on processing immigrant visas will continue until authorities ensure that all new immigrants are thoroughly vetted for eligibility.
In a statement posted on X, the embassy emphasized that the policy aims to protect American citizens by maintaining the highest standards in visa screening and applicant vetting.
“Effective January 21, the Department of State is pausing issuance to all immigrant visa applicants from selected countries, including Pakistan,” the embassy said. “Secretary Marco Rubio has instituted this pause until we can ensure that new immigrants have been vetted to the maximum degree to confirm eligibility, including that they will not use public assistance.”
The embassy also clarified that the pause affects only immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas, including those for tourists, students, athletes, skilled workers, and their families, remain unaffected.
The announcement follows the Trump administration’s earlier decision to suspend immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Pakistan. Fox News reported that the policy takes effect January 21, based on a memo instructing US embassies to temporarily halt visa issuance while the State Department reviews its procedures. No timeframe for the review has been specified.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott added that the authority allows officials to deem ineligible those potential immigrants “who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.”
US analyst Michael Kugelman noted that the freeze appears to be linked to a chart listing immigrant groups with the highest percentage of households receiving public assistance. According to the chart, 40% of Pakistani immigrant households receive public support, though Kugelman questioned the data’s accuracy, highlighting that the Pakistani-American community is generally affluent and advocating for more transparency in the methodology.
The embassy stressed that this policy is a temporary measure intended to safeguard US interests while ensuring a thorough and fair vetting process.