Ethiopia is among 75 countries whose nationals will face a temporary suspension of U.S. immigrant visa processing, after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a broad review of immigration screening procedures as part of a renewed crackdown on migration.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday that the pause will take effect on January 21, affecting immigrant visa applicants from dozens of countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, the Balkans, and the Caribbean. Ethiopia is listed alongside countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, and Colombia.
According to a State Department cable seen by Reuters, the suspension is part of a “full review” of visa policies and procedures to ensure what officials describe as “the highest level of screening and vetting” for all applicants.
The cable said there were concerns that applicants from the affected countries could be at higher risk of becoming dependent on public assistance in the United States.
“Applicants from these countries are at a high risk for becoming a public charge and recourse to local, state and federal government resources in the United States,” the cable said.
The suspension does not apply to visitor (non-immigrant) visas, including tourist and business travel, which remain in place as the U.S. prepares to host major international events such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.
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