The 75-Country Visa Pause: What the Immigration Freeze Means for America's Labor Market

In one of the most sweeping immigration actions of his second term, President Trump has directed the State Department to pause all immigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. The policy, framed as a measure to prevent welfare dependency, will halt legal immigration pathways for millions of potential workers and family members at a time when many American industries face persistent labor shortages.

What the Policy Does

Beginning Tuesday, January 21, the State Department will stop issuing immigrant visas to applicants from 75 countries deemed "at high risk of public benefits usage." The pause affects:

• Family-based immigration: Spouses, children, and other relatives of American citizens and permanent residents
• Employment-based immigration: Workers sponsored by American employers
• Diversity visa lottery winners: Those selected in the annual green card lottery

The affected countries span Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. Major source countries include India, China, the Philippines, Mexico, Nigeria, and Brazil—nations that have historically supplied significant numbers of skilled workers and family immigrants to the United States.

What's Not Affected

Several important categories remain exempt from the pause:

• Non-immigrant visas: Tourist visas, student visas, and temporary work visas are not affected
• Existing visas: No immigrant visas have been revoked; those already issued remain valid
• Dual nationals: Applicants who hold passports from countries not on the list can apply using that nationality
• Pending applications: Applicants can continue to submit paperwork and attend interviews, but no visas will actually be issued

The Labor Market Impact

The timing of this policy is particularly significant given current labor market conditions. Despite cooling from pandemic-era extremes, many industries continue to face worker shortages:

Healthcare

Hospitals and nursing homes rely heavily on immigrant workers. The American Hospital Association estimates that 16% of healthcare workers are foreign-born, with even higher concentrations in nursing and home health aide positions. The visa pause could exacerbate staffing shortages at a time when an aging population is driving increased healthcare demand.

Technology

While H-1B temporary work visas aren't affected, the pathway from H-1B to permanent residence runs through the immigrant visa system. Tech companies that have sponsored workers for green cards may see those employees leave for other countries rather than wait indefinitely for processing to resume.

Agriculture

Family farms and agricultural operations depend on immigrant labor for seasonal and year-round work. While temporary agricultural visas (H-2A) aren't directly affected, the broader policy direction creates uncertainty for an industry already struggling to find workers.

Construction

The construction industry has faced persistent labor shortages even as housing demand remains strong. Immigrant workers constitute a significant portion of the construction workforce, particularly in skilled trades.

Economic Implications

Economists have long documented the economic contributions of immigration. Research from the Congressional Budget Office found that immigration adds to GDP growth, supports Social Security solvency, and fills critical gaps in the labor force.

The practical effects of the visa pause may include:

• Wage pressures: Reduced labor supply could accelerate wage growth in affected industries, potentially contributing to inflation
• Business relocation: Companies unable to access needed talent may expand operations abroad
• University enrollment: International students may choose other countries if paths to permanent residence are blocked
• Family separation: American citizens waiting to reunite with spouses and children face indefinite delays

The Administration's Rationale

The State Department cited concerns about public benefits usage as the justification for the pause. "The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America's immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people," said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.

The policy invokes long-standing "public charge" rules that allow the government to deny visas to individuals likely to become dependent on public assistance. However, research has consistently shown that immigrants use welfare programs at lower rates than native-born Americans, and many programs are already off-limits to recent immigrants.

Legal Challenges Expected

Immigration advocacy groups have signaled they will challenge the policy in court. Legal experts note several potential vulnerabilities:

• The blanket application to entire countries may violate equal protection principles
• The indefinite duration of the pause may exceed executive authority
• Family reunification rights have strong statutory protections that may limit executive discretion

However, courts have historically given the executive branch significant latitude in immigration matters, and previous travel restrictions have survived legal challenges.

What Employers Should Know

For businesses that sponsor workers for green cards or employ immigrants:

• Review pending cases: Identify employees with pending immigrant visa applications and assess impacts
• Consider alternatives: Explore whether affected workers can extend temporary status or qualify through different pathways
• Plan for departures: Some employees may choose to leave the country rather than wait indefinitely
• Document your needs: Detailed records of labor market needs may be relevant for potential litigation or policy changes

What Families Should Know

For American citizens with family members affected by the pause:

• Applications can continue: Submit paperwork and attend interviews to maintain your place in the process
• No timeline: The pause is indefinite pending a department review with no announced end date
• Consider legal counsel: An immigration attorney can assess whether any exceptions apply
• Contact representatives: Members of Congress may be able to assist with individual cases

Looking Ahead

The 75-country visa pause represents one of the most significant immigration restrictions in modern American history. Its economic effects will unfold over months and years as labor markets adjust, businesses adapt, and legal challenges proceed through the courts.

For an economy that has relied on immigration to fill labor gaps, support population growth, and drive innovation, the policy marks a fundamental shift with consequences that extend far beyond the 75 affected countries—touching American families, businesses, and communities nationwide.