On January 19, in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our team shared a live update addressing major immigration developments affecting immigrants, U.S. citizens, and lawful permanent residents. Below is a summary of the most important updates and what you should know to protect yourself and your family.
1. U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries
The U.S. Department of State has announced a pause in immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. At this time, the pause is indefinite and affects:
- Spouses, children, and parents applying for family-based green cards
- Workers seeking entry through employment-based immigrant visas
What This Means for Applicants
- Applications may still be submitted and interviews may still be attended; however, visas will not be issued during the pause.
- Certain time-sensitive documents, such as medical exams (valid for six months), may need to be redone if the pause continues.
- Dual nationals using a passport from a country not included in the pause may continue processing.
- Existing valid visas are not revoked.
- Nonimmigrant visas, including tourist visas, F-1 student visas, and K-1 fiancé(e) visas, are not affected.
Practical Guidance
- Attend all scheduled interviews to avoid additional administrative delays.
- Closely monitor government announcements for updates or changes.
- Speak with an immigration attorney if your application is close to expiring or delayed due to the pause.
2. Increased Visa Bond Requirements
Certain applicants are now subject to visa bond requirements ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for visitor or tourist visas. These bonds are intended to ensure timely departure from the U.S. and primarily impact applicants from select countries, including several African nations and Venezuela.
Applicants should review the U.S. Department of State’s Visa News before attending any visa interview.
3. ICE Enforcement Updates in the United States
Federal Judge Limits ICE Actions Against Protesters
On January 16, a federal judge in Minneapolis ruled that ICE may not detain or use tear gas against peaceful protesters, including U.S. citizens. The court reaffirmed constitutional protections requiring reasonable suspicion or probable cause for stops or arrests.
This ruling followed protests related to the death of Renee Nicole Goode, which involved ICE enforcement actions.
ICE Enforcement Hotspots
Ongoing policy discussions indicate that certain areas—including Maine, Philadelphia, and New York—may experience increased ICE activity. Individuals in these regions should review and understand their legal rights.
4. What to Do If You Are Detained or Facing Removal
If you are detained by ICE, immediate legal action is critical.
Contact an Immigration Attorney Immediately
- Ensure USCIS applications and removal proceedings are addressed at the same time.
- Determine eligibility for bond if you are not considered a flight risk or a danger to the community.
Understand Your Pending Applications
- Pending cases such as VAWA petitions, I-751 waivers, or naturalization applications may continue while in detention with proper legal representation.
- Some individuals may need waivers or relief from prior removal orders to regain lawful status.
Travel Considerations
- Conditional permanent residents may generally travel internationally if they have no pending removal proceedings or disqualifying criminal history.
- Naturalization applications for countries not included in the visa pause remain largely unaffected.
5. Key Takeaways
- Stay informed about visa pauses and bond requirements affecting your country of nationality.
- Know your constitutional rights if approached or contacted by ICE.
- Maintain access to an experienced immigration attorney for emergencies or complex matters.
- If your visa category is paused, attend scheduled interviews to avoid additional fees or delays.
Contact Landerholm Immigration
Landerholm Immigration assists clients nationwide with visa processing, enforcement issues, and removal defense. If you have questions about how these changes may affect you or your family, contact our office for guidance.
You can also watch our video on the matter, right here: What are the new Immigration Fines?