Pattaya News – U.S. Halts Immigrant Visa Processing for Thai Applicants and 74 Other Countries Due to Public Assistance Program Issues

Washington, D.C., January 14th, 2026 – In an escalation of immigration policies, the U.S. State Department has announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Thailand, effective January 21, 2026. The move, which affects applicants seeking permanent residency (NOT tourism or short business trips, etc) in the United States, is tied to concerns over potential reliance on public assistance programs and is designed to give time to enforce stricter “public charge” rules.

The decision comes from a broader executive order issued in November 2025 by the Trump administration, which tightened regulations on immigrants who might become dependent on U.S. government benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, or housing subsidies. Under these rules, consular officers are required to assess whether visa applicants are likely to become a “public charge” – a term describing people who could burden public resources. The State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, has now extended this scrutiny by halting processing from nations where data indicates a higher likelihood of such dependency among their nationals.

According to US Media, the suspension will remain in place indefinitely while the Department of State reassesses immigration procedures to align with the public charge directive. This policy does not impact non-immigrant visas, such as those for tourism, business, or temporary work, allowing short-term travel to continue unaffected. However, it represents one of the most expansive restrictions on legal immigration in recent years, building on previous measures like travel bans and enhanced vetting protocols.

The list of affected countries spans multiple continents and includes a mix of allies and adversaries. Notable inclusions are Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, Thailand, and Yemen, among others. Thailand’s placement on the list has raised eyebrows, given its longstanding economic and security ties with the U.S., including cooperation on trade and counterterrorism. Critics argue that the criteria for selection – based on historical data of public benefit usage by immigrants from these nations – may overlook individual circumstances and broader diplomatic relations.

This announcement comes amid a series of immigration reforms under President Donald Trump, who campaigned on promises to prioritize American workers and reduce reliance on foreign labor. Supporters of the policy contend it protects U.S. taxpayers by ensuring immigrants are self-sufficient, while opponents, including immigrant advocacy groups, decry it as discriminatory and overly broad. “This suspension disproportionately affects low-income families from developing countries and could strand thousands in limbo,” said Maria Gonzalez, policy director at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

The public charge rule itself has a contentious history. First introduced in 2019 during Trump’s first term, it was partially rolled back under the Biden administration but revived and expanded in 2025 following Trump’s reelection. Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows that immigrants from the listed countries have historically higher rates of public benefit enrollment, though experts note this is often due to socioeconomic factors rather than intent.

For Thai nationals, the suspension could disrupt family reunifications, employment-based green cards, and diversity visa lottery winners. Thailand, a popular source of U.S. immigrants in sectors like hospitality and healthcare, saw over 5,000 immigrant visas issued in 2025, according to State Department figures. Applicants already in the pipeline may face delays or denials, with limited exceptions for certain humanitarian cases.

The State Department has advised affected individuals to monitor official channels for updates, stating that the pause is part of ongoing efforts to “safeguard American prosperity.” As the January 21st effective date approaches, diplomatic ripples are expected, with several countries, including Brazil and Egypt, already signaling intentions to seek clarifications or exemptions.

This development follows a separate visa suspension for 19 countries effective January 1st, 2026, focused on national security concerns, showing the administration’s multifaceted approach to immigration control.

Photos US Embassy Bangkok