Trump administration pauses immigrant visa processing for 75 countries
JAN 15 - The Trump administration is placing an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, further restricting the legal routes for Kenya breaking news | Kenya news today |..
✨ Key Highlights
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.
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U.S. Modifies Visa and Trade Policies Affecting Kenya - January 2026
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. However, Kenya has been exempted from this new U.S. immigrant visa processing freeze that affects several other East African nations, including Somalia, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. This allows Kenyans to continue applying for U.S. immigrant visas. In a separate development, 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. This bill proposes to extend the trade program for another three years, providing market certainty for Kenyan exporters and safeguarding 65,000 jobs.
