The political landscape of the United States is facing some changes, especially the country’s immigration policy, which is entering a new, more rigid phase. Starting in January 2026, at least 39 countries will face stricter restrictions on obtaining a US visa and entering the country. Some visas have been blocked, and the US government has increased fees related to immigration processes. This decision by the US government is already affecting sectors such as tourism, studies, and work.
Learn more about the new chapter in US entry restrictions
The United States has announced that it will expand visa restrictions, based on its own constitution, written in Presidential Proclamation 10998. This measure of restrictions and fees came into effect on January 1, 2026; within this new measure, it is agreed that the issuance of visas will be totally or partially suspended for the population of at least 39 countries, especially citizens using documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.
According to the US government, the goal of this new measure is to strengthen national security, hence the need for more rigorous means and criteria in screening people entering the country. This decision ended up expanding previous restrictions, which already had a level of rigor, in addition to maintaining limitations already applied to other countries, but this time with fewer exceptions than before.
This measure is already impacting thousands of US visa applications, which may even have their forms accepted, but are unlikely to be approved. With these new restrictions, even those who manage to schedule a visa interview may still be deemed ineligible for entry into the country. Such a scenario increases uncertainty for travelers and immigrants from various countries who wish to go to the US.
Which country or region is most affected by the new US immigration rules?
Within this new American measure, nineteen countries were the most affected and had the issuance of visas completely suspended, especially within the immigration and non-immigration categories of US visas. The other nineteen countries only face what are considered partial restrictions, mainly focused on tourist, study, and exchange visas. Among the countries affected by these restrictions, only one country had restrictions limited to permanent immigration.
Countries in Africa and the Middle East ended up receiving the majority of the restrictions on US visas. One of the main highlights is Nigeria, which already has a history of high volumes of approved US visas. Because of this new rule, almost all of these legal flows are interrupted.
Impacts beyond immigration, such as international events
These restrictions on US visas don’t only affect those who intend to live in the US or travel for tourism. Several major international events will take place in the country, such as the World Cup and the Olympics, and these scenarios are also impacted. African countries that qualified for the World Cup, which will now take place in 2026, such as Senegal and the Ivory Coast, will have fans prevented from traveling if they do not have a valid visa before the new rule comes into effect.
Justifications, criticisms, and legal uncertainties about the Donald Trump administration
President Donald Trump has stated that these measures are based on problems in international cooperation between countries, high rates of irregular immigration, and security risks. Despite this, experts point to a lack of clearer and more coherent criteria.
This increase in restrictions for American visas marks one of the most rigid moments in the country’s immigration policy in recent years. And, despite being defended by the government as a security measure, this decision has many impacts on immigrant families, students, and workers. For many, the American dream now seems even more distant.
