Kenya has been exempted from a new U.S. immigrant visa processing freeze that will affect several other East African nations. This decision allows Kenyans to continue applying for U.S. immigrant visas, while citizens from Somalia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Sudan, and South Sudan will face a suspension.

• The freeze, effective January 21, 2026, impacts 75 countries globally and targets those whose migrants "take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates."
• Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the U.S. Department of State, stated the freeze aims to ensure new immigrants do not "extract wealth from the American people."
• Somalia has been particularly highlighted due to accusations of welfare fraud involving immigrants in Minnesota, U.S.

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has welcomed the passage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension Act by the U.S. Congress, which proposes to extend the trade program for another three years. This extension, if approved, would provide continued market certainty for Kenyan exporters and safeguard 65,000 jobs.

• The bill proposes moving the duty-free access deadline to December 31, 2028, and increasing eligible African countries from 21 to 24.
• KEPSA emphasized this decision follows sustained advocacy efforts by the Kenyan government and private sector.
• In 2024, Kenya exported approximately $470 million worth of apparel to the U.S. under AGOA.

The Trump administration has announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, effective January 21, to combat perceived "abuse" of the welfare system by immigrants. This move further restricts legal routes for entering the United States.

• The order affects immigrant visa processing but explicitly excludes non-immigrant, temporary tourist, or business visas.
• Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy spokesperson for the US State Department, stated the department will deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a "public charge."
• This follows previous restrictions on migration from countries deemed a threat to national security, including Russia, Iran, and Afghanistan.