Recent news reports have caused understandable concern among families and individuals waiting on immigrant visas. The U.S. government has announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from approximately 75 countries, primarily affecting consular processing abroad.
If you or a loved one may be impacted, take a deep breath. While this development is frustrating, it does not mean immigration pathways are closed, and in many cases, there are still important steps you can, and should take now.
What Does This Suspension Mean?
The suspension applies to immigrant visa processing at U.S. consulates outside the United States for certain countries. This generally means that immigrant visa interviews and final visa issuance may be delayed.
Importantly, the underlying immigration process itself has not been canceled. USCIS is still accepting and processing immigrant petitions.
Step One Still Matters: Filing the Petition
Every family-based or employment-based immigrant case begins with a petition filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Common examples include:
- Form I-130 (family-based petitions)
- Form I-140 (employment-based petitions)
Even if consular visa appointments are temporarily paused, filing the petition now preserves your place in line and allows your case to move forward as much as possible while policies evolve. Waiting to file could result in unnecessary delays once processing resumes.
This Policy Does Not Affect Non-Immigrant (Temporary) Visas
It is important to clarify that this suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas, which are temporary visas.
Examples of visas not affected include:
- Student visas (F-1, M-1)
- Visitor visas (B-1/B-2)
- Temporary work visas (such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, and others)
- Exchange visitor visas (J-1)
Applicants from the affected countries may still pursue temporary, non-immigrant visas, subject to normal eligibility and screening requirements.
What If You Are Already in the United States?
If you are lawfully present in the United States, this suspension may not apply to you at all.
Many individuals may be eligible to pursue adjustment of status (Form I-485) from within the U.S., depending on their immigration history and current status. In those cases, consular processing abroad may not be required.
This is why individualized legal guidance is so important, your options may be broader than you realize.
Delays Do Not Mean Denials
While this policy is understandably concerning, immigration suspensions like this are often temporary. Additionally, policies of this nature are frequently challenged through litigation, which can result in court orders, pauses, or changes to how the government enforces them.
It is important to:
- Monitor any future litigation challenging the policy
- Stay informed about government updates or revisions
- Ensure your case is properly prepared so you are ready if and when processing resumes
Historically, applicants who have timely and properly filed petitions are in a stronger position when policies change.
At The Modi Law Firm, PLLC, we understand how stressful immigration uncertainty can be. Our role is to help you determine whether this suspension affects your specific case, file petitions strategically and correctly, explore alternatives if consular processing is delayed, and stay compliant and ready when processing resumes.
If you have questions about how this policy impacts you or your family, we are happy to help. Every case is different, and a brief conversation can often bring much-needed clarity and peace of mind.