US Freezes Visa Processing for Most CARICOM States

The United States is reportedly moving to freeze the processing of immigrant visas (green cards) for 75 countries, starting January 21, 2026. The measure is set to affect most of the Caribbean region. The indefinite pause impacts nearly all CARICOM member states including Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Only four CARICOM nations were not listed for the freeze: Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, and Montserrat. The State Department says the move is aimed at reassessing screening procedures to prevent entry of foreign nationals deemed likely to become a public charge on US welfare and public benefits systems.

Other affected countries include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, and Thailand. Exceptions will be very limited and only granted after applicants clear public charge considerations. The visa freeze could significantly impact Caribbean families, students, business travelers, and regional trade relations with the United States.

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