WASHINGTON, DC — The Trump administration is preparing to implement significant immigration restrictions targeting 75 countries worldwide, with numerous Caribbean nations expected to be included in the expanded list. According to sources familiar with the matter, the new policy will temporarily suspend immigrant visa processing for affected countries beginning January 21, 2026.
The measure specifically targets individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States and stems from concerns regarding migrants’ utilization of public welfare programs. State Department officials have expressed particular apprehension about the ‘public charge’ rule, which refers to foreign nationals who access public benefits.
In an official statement released via the State Department’s X account, the administration clarified: ‘The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.’
While the complete list of affected countries remains unconfirmed, multiple media outlets report that several Caribbean territories are under consideration for inclusion. Potential candidates include Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The U.S. Embassy in Barbados has acknowledged the impending implementation of the visa pause but indicated that official confirmation regarding the specific countries affected is still pending. This development represents the latest in a series of hardline immigration measures pursued by the Trump administration since taking office, continuing its focus on restricting both illegal migration and visa overstays while enforcing immigration law violations more strictly.