Jamaica Among 11 Caribbean Countries Affected by U.S. Immigrant Visa Processing Suspension

The United States has announced a pause in immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including 11 Caribbean nations, alongside countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The inclusion of several Caribbean states has sparked particular alarm, as family-based migration has long been a cornerstone of mobility and opportunity in the region, and a defining feature of its historic ties to the United States.

The pause, which takes effect on January 21, 2026, halts the processing of immigrant visas — including family-sponsored green cards and Diversity Visa (DV) lottery cases — for an indefinite period.

The Caribbean countries affected are:

• Jamaica
• Haiti
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Belize

For many families in these countries, legal migration pathways — particularly family reunification — represent years of preparation, financial investment, and emotional commitment. The pause introduces new uncertainty into processes that were already lengthy, leaving thousands of applicants unsure when, or if, their cases will move forward.

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.

— Department of State (@StateDept) January 14, 2026

Key Facts to Know About the Visa Processing Pause

• This is not a new law

The policy was not enacted through Congress or formal legislation, but introduced through State Department guidance led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio has said he instructed U.S. consular officers to halt immigrant visa processing for applicants from the affected countries. The policy can be amended, extended, or lifted administratively without a vote in Congress.

• Immigrant visas are the main focus

The pause applies to immigrant visas, including:

• Family-based visas
• Employment-based immigrant visas
• Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery) cases

Tourist, student, and short-term business visas are not currently included, though policies can evolve.

• Lottery Visa’s face unique risks

The DV Lottery operates within a strict fiscal year. If processing does not resume in time, selected applicants could permanently lose their opportunity, even if they were already approved in principle.

• It is not officially a travel ban

People from affected countries are not barred from travelling to the U.S. if they already hold valid visas. However, no new immigrant visas will be issued while the pause remains in place.

• Families already in the system may be frozen mid-process

Applicants who were already in progress may face:

• Delays with no clear resolution date
• Expired medical exams or police certificates
• Missed interview windows

For Caribbean families who have waited years for reunification, this could be especially disruptive.

• There is no end date

U.S. officials have described the pause as indefinite, pending a review of vetting and screening procedures. No timeline has been provided for when processing may resume.

• The stated reason is stricter screening

The U.S. government says the pause allows time to reassess how immigrant applicants are evaluated, particularly around whether they may become a “public charge”, meaning dependent on public assistance.

Critics argue this approach unfairly targets developing countries and overlooks the strong family support networks that often sustain new immigrants.

Why This Matters for the Caribbean

The Caribbean’s migration relationship with the United States has historically been lawful, family-based, and well-documented. Many migrants arrive with strong community ties, financial sponsorship, and immediate family support.

The inclusion of Caribbean nations alongside conflict-affected and fragile states has raised questions about how risk is being assessed — and whether small island developing states are being grouped into overly broad categories.

For diaspora communities, the pause reinforces growing concern that legal immigration pathways are becoming more unpredictable, even for those who follow every rule.