"The suspension, which will take effect on Jan. 21, is the first time the U.S. is restricting applicants from Cambodia and Thailand, just months after U.S. President Donald Trump inked trade deals with both nations on the sidelines of the 2025 ASEAN Summit. He had assured Southeast Asian leaders at the event that they could view the U.S. as a "strong partner and friend" in the years to come."
""President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans," the U.S. State Department wrote in a post on Jan. 14. It continued that it was starting a "full review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge.""
The U.S. will pause immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, effective Jan. 21. The suspension marks the first such restriction on applicants from Cambodia and Thailand despite recent trade deals and assurances of partnership. The measure covers additional countries across South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East while exempting non-immigrant visas such as tourist and business travel. The State Department said immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and announced a full review of policies to prevent public-charge reliance; applications can be submitted but no visas will be issued during the suspension. Observers warn the pauses may be used as leverage in U.S. dealings.
Read at Fortune
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