Understanding The Implications of the U.S. Travel Restrictions

The beginning of 2026 has ushered in substantial changes to U.S. immigration policy, creating significant challenges for both prospective entrants and individuals with pending applications already present in the United States. Three distinct policy developments have fundamentally altered the immigration landscape for nationals of designated countries.

Key Policy Changes:

1. Presidential Proclamation 10998 (Effective January 1, 2026): The Presidential Proclamation 10998 expanded travel restrictions to nationals of approximately 39 countries, predicated on national security concerns and identified deficiencies in screening and vetting systems. The proclamation applies to foreign nationals who were physically outside the United States on January 1, 2026, and did not possess a valid visa as of that date. It is important to note that the proclamation does not revoke previously issued valid visas, which remain usable for entry purposes.
2. USCIS Processing Holds: Through various policy changes, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented indefinite processing holds on immigration applications for nationals of the same 39 countries. Additionally, USCIS suspended all asylum application processing worldwide, regardless of nationality. While USCIS may continue internal processing routines, no final decisions will be issued during the hold period.
3. The Department of State (DOS) Pauses Immigrant Visas: The DOS announced a pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries under public charge grounds. This pause is only applicable to immigrant visas; non-immigrant visa processing continues. Consular interviews will proceed, but cases will be held under review unless the applicant qualifies for a dual national exemption or national interest waiver.

Impact on Individuals Outside the United States

• Visa Validity and Travel Authorization: Individuals holding valid visas issued before January 1, 2026, retain their authorization for travel to the United States under Presidential Proclamation 10998. These previously issued visas remain legally valid and were not subject to revocation. However, individuals holding immigrant visas from the 75 countries subject to the DOS pause may find their visas cancelled if they were printed but not delivered, or not printed at all, as of January 21, 2026.
• Prospective Visa Applicants: For individuals without valid visas, non-immigrant visa processing continues across all nationalities. However, immigrant visa applicants from the 75 affected countries will experience administrative holds under public charge inadmissibility grounds following their consular interviews. Dual nationals may override these restrictions by utilizing passports from non-designated countries for visa adjudication purposes. The government has not articulated a definitive timeline for the duration of this pause.
• Strategic Considerations for Scheduled Interviews: Individuals with scheduled immigrant visa interviews confront complex strategic decisions regarding whether to proceed with interviews that will likely result in administrative refusals or to postpone their interviews pending clarification. These determinations require individualized analysis based on specific circumstances. We encourage affected individuals to contact the immigration department at Pasricha & Patel, LLC for specific guidance.

Impact on Individuals Inside the United States

• Adjudication Delays and Application Processing: Nationals of the 39 countries subject to USCIS processing holds should anticipate substantial and potentially indefinite delays in case adjudication. Affected applications include adjustment of status (Form I-485), employment authorization documents (Form I-765), naturalization applications (Form N-400), nonimmigrant status extensions and changes, and other benefit requests. Despite these delays, applicants must continue filing required applications to maintain lawful immigration status and preserve eligibility for future benefits.
• Re-Review of Previously Approved Benefits: USCIS has announced its intention to conduct comprehensive re-examinations of immigration benefits previously granted to nationals of designated countries who entered the United States on or after January 20, 2021. Affected individuals may receive requests for additional evidence (RFEs), supplemental interviews, enhanced biometric collection, or reverification of identity documents.
• Employment Authorization Considerations: Processing delays will inevitably create gaps in employment authorization for many affected individuals. Affected individuals should communicate with their employers regarding potential work authorization lapses.
• International Travel Risks: Individuals subject to these policies must seriously evaluate international travel. While dual nationals may utilize non-designated country passports to override entry restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998, they remain subject to domestic processing holds based on their designated nationality. Any international departure carries inherent reentry risks that warrant careful assessment.

These policy changes create restrictions affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide. Affected individuals face considerable uncertainty, substantial processing delays, and complex decisions about pending cases. Given the consequences and evolving nature of these policies, we encourage readers to check our website regularly for updates and contact the immigration department at Pasricha & Patel, LLC, should you need help navigating your individual circumstance.