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Sothy Eng, Associate Professor of of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Hawaii

Suspending family-based immigrant visas weakens US families and the economy

United States Economy
The United States has paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries. Photo by Ufuk Celal Guzel/Anadolu via Getty Images

The U.S. Department of State has announced that starting on Jan. 21, 2026, it has indefinitely stopped issuing immigrant visas for people from 75 countries, claiming concerns that some immigrants may rely on public benefits once they get to the United States.

While applications may still be processed, no immigrant visas will be issued during the pause, including family-based visas for U.S. citizens to sponsor their parents.

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