The United States has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including The Gambia, raising concerns among Gambians hoping to settle permanently in the US.

In a statement on Wednesday, the United States Department of State said the pause will take effect from 21 January, as part of a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration.

US officials said the measure is intended to prevent what they described as “abuse” of the immigration system and to block the entry of immigrants deemed likely to rely on public welfare and benefits.

The department’s principal deputy spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, said the US would use existing powers to deny visas to applicants considered a potential “public charge”.

The suspension does not affect short-term visas, including tourist, student and sporting visas, and will not impact travel linked to events such as the 2026 men’s FIFA World Cup.

The decision comes amid heightened immigration enforcement across several US cities and follows an earlier pause in December, when immigration applications from 19 countries were halted, according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

For Gambians, the move means that immigrant visa applications — such as family-based and diversity visas — will be temporarily frozen, adding uncertainty for families and individuals planning long-term relocation to the US.