The U.S. State Department has temporarily halted final decisions on immigrant visas for applicants from 75 nations, including Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay, as part of heightened scrutiny measures under the Trump administration. While interviews for visa seekers continue, the pause leaves thousands in limbo amid what officials describe as a 'compliance review process.'
Sources indicate the move affects both new applications and previously scheduled cases, with no clear timeline for resumption. The policy shift has drawn criticism from immigration advocates who argue it disrupts family reunification and employment-based migration pathways. Analysts suggest the suspension may reflect broader efforts to tighten immigration controls ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Though the State Department has not released the full list of affected countries, the inclusion of multiple Latin American states signals a regional focus. Legal experts warn the pause could lead to prolonged separations for families and complications for multinational corporations relying on skilled worker visas.
