The United States has suspended immigrant visa processing for citizens of 26 African countries, a move that is expected to disrupt family reunification and long-term migration plans for thousands of applicants across the continent.
The suspension affects the following countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, and Uganda.
US immigration authorities confirmed the decision late this week, citing administrative and security reviews as the basis for the pause in processing. The suspension applies to immigrant visas, including family-based and certain employment-based categories, and is separate from non-immigrant visa issuances, which may continue but could face additional scrutiny.
Immigrant visas are typically sought by foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in the United States through family sponsorship, employer petitioning, diversity visas, or other pathways. A halt in processing means that approved petitions may not proceed to the final interview stage, often leaving applicants in prolonged uncertainty.
Officials described the suspension as temporary, pending interagency evaluations of visa security protocols and eligibility procedures. The Department of State said that affected individuals will be notified directly if they have pending cases, and further guidance will be issued once the review concludes. No definitive timeline for resumption has been provided.
The impact is likely to be significant. Many migrants from the countries listed rely on immigrant visas for family reunification, economic opportunity, and protection. Advocacy groups have warned that the suspension could lead to backlogs, financial strain on families, and increased use of irregular migration channels as applicants seek alternative routes.
Analysts note that the decision coincides with broader shifts in US immigration policy and heightened political debate ahead of upcoming elections, with some observers linking the move to domestic pressure to tighten borders and control migration flows.
Governments of several affected countries are reported to be engaging the US Embassy and State Department for clarification and assurances that the pause will be lifted in an orderly manner. In countries with large diasporas, such as Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Senegal, the suspension has already triggered concern among civil society groups, immigrant communities, and travel agencies that assist with visa processing.
For now, immigrants, sponsors, and legal representatives are awaiting further official communication on when and how immigrant visa services will resume for the affected African nationals.
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