US halts immigrant visas for Lebanon

The United States (US) has announced an unprecedented suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, marking the latest phase of the Trump administration’s aggressive approach to immigration; among these countries is Lebanon.

The State Department stated that the pause targets nations whose immigrants have, according to the administration, relied on US public assistance at “unacceptable rates.” The freeze will remain in effect until procedures can ensure that new immigrants do not become a financial burden on the American people.

Scope of the suspension

The visa processing halt affects countries across multiple continents. While the administration has not released a full official list, US officials have indicated that the freeze will impact roughly 75 nations. The measure specifically applies to immigrant visas, such as those issued for family reunification or employment purposes. Non-immigrant visas, including those for tourists, business travelers and students, will remain unaffected.

The suspension is scheduled to take effect on 21 January 2026 and follows a pattern of increasingly strict immigration policies under US President Donald Trump’s leadership since January 2025. Over the past year, the administration has curtailed several visa programs, drastically reduced refugee admissions, and conducted large-scale deportation campaigns. The Department of Homeland Security reported over 605,000 deportations since Trump took office, with an additional 2.5 million migrants leaving the US voluntarily.

Public charge rule and policy rationale

Officials emphasized that the suspension is guided by the “public charge” provision of US immigration law, which identifies individuals likely to rely on government assistance. Thus, it allows immigration officials to deny visas or green cards to individuals who are likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance for their livelihood. According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, “The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.” Criteria used to assess eligibility include financial stability, health, English proficiency and age.

Critics, however, warn that the policy could have far-reaching consequences. David Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, described the administration’s agenda as “the most anti-legal immigration policy in American history,” estimating that nearly 315,000 legal immigrants could be denied entry over the next year. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, highlighted that with this suspension and prior travel bans, the administration has now effectively restricted immigration from 90 countries, with a significant portion located in Africa.

Lebanon not spared

Among the countries are 13 Arab states, including:

Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Syria and even Lebanon.

The US suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries directly and indirectly affects Lebanon, a country in deep socio-economic crises and already hosting one of the world’s largest refugee populations. Many Lebanese residents and refugees from neighboring countries rely on US immigration pathways for family reunification, employment or resettlement. The freeze limits these legal avenues, increasing pressure on Lebanon’s fragile social and economic systems. Lebanese citizens seeking to emigrate or reunite with family abroad may face prolonged uncertainty, while aid organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may encounter difficulties planning resettlement programs. Additionally, Lebanese (especially the youth) would face difficulties and hurdles regarding their ability to work in Washington, at a time where unemployment rate has risen significantly in the country as well as emigration rate.

Overall, the policy exacerbates Lebanon’s existing humanitarian and migration challenges.

In conclusion, the Trump administration’s decision to pause immigrant visa processing reflects a continuation of its hardline immigration strategy, prioritizing the protection of US public resources over broad avenues of legal immigration. While the government frames the policy as a necessary safeguard against misuse of social benefits, the move raises pressing questions about its humanitarian impact and long-term effects on US immigration policy and Lebanon’s population.