Starting January 21, the Trump Administration suspends all visa processing for citizens from 75 countries, reported Fox News on Wednesday, according to Agerpres. Among the countries for which visas are suspended is also the Republic of Moldova.
Among the countries affected by this measure are Egypt, Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, or Yemen, according to Fox News.
What changes:
The US temporarily stops only immigration visas for citizens from the 75 countries. This means visas for permanent relocation (family, green card lottery, some work visas).
What doesn’t change:
Tourist visas (B1/B2), Study and exchange visas, Visas and green cards already obtained. The official reason: internal evaluation regarding immigrants who might depend on social assistance (“public charge”). It doesn’t specifically target Moldova, with wealthy countries such as Uruguay, Bahamas, Kazakhstan also on the list.
Who is affected:
In Moldova, the annual number is small: dozens or a few hundred people. Files can be put on hold for months, without a clear deadline. For most, everything remains the same. Those affected must wait for the process to resume.
According to Fox News, the document instructs US embassies to refuse visa issuance under existing law, while the State Department reevaluates current procedures, a process for which no deadline is indicated.
The pause reported by Fox News comes against the backdrop of a broad crackdown on immigration by Republican President Donald Trump since taking office in January 2025.
The directive is the latest in a series of measures taken by Donald Trump to restrict legal immigration to the US through consular channels and reinforces a promise made in May by Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to ban entry into the US of anyone perceived as suppressing the freedom of expression “essential to the American way of life”.
Details, HERE
