By Sadik Sagar, Dhaka, 19 January 2025

The United States’ decision to indefinitely suspend immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, is expected to have far-reaching social and economic consequences for thousands of Bangladeshi families. The policy, announced by the U.S. State Department, takes effect from January 21, 2026, and applies to immigrant visas that lead to permanent residency. Non-immigrant categories such as tourist, student, and temporary work visas remain unaffected.

U.S. officials say the move is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration controls, particularly targeting applicants considered likely to rely on public assistance after arrival. The suspension does not cancel visas already issued or revoke permanent resident status, but it halts the issuance of new immigrant visas for affected countries until further notice, with no clear timeline for resumption.

For Bangladesh, where the United States remains one of the most sought-after destinations for permanent migration, the announcement has generated widespread anxiety. A significant portion of Bangladeshi immigrant visa applicants fall under family-based categories, including spouses, parents, and adult children of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Immigration lawyers say many applicants have already waited years for processing and now face indefinite delays.

Economic implications are also a major concern. Remittances from Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States play an important role in Bangladesh’s foreign income. Analysts warn that a prolonged pause in immigrant visas could slow the growth of the Bangladeshi diaspora in the U.S., affecting future remittance flows and related economic activity.

Dhaka University’s International Relations Department professor Dr. Amena Mohsin said the suspension could result in losses for Bangladesh. Speaking to Manabzamin, she said the Donald Trump administration has taken the initiative to discourage immigration from certain countries, believing that many migrants do not contribute sufficiently to the U.S. economy. “This perception has led the administration to adopt policies aimed at stopping immigrant inflows,” she said.

Former ambassador M. Humayun Kabir said the decision has effectively closed the door for many Bangladeshi applicants. “Those who were planning to apply or whose applications are under process are now facing serious uncertainty,” he told Manabzamin. He added that families hoping to reunite in the U.S. will be particularly affected, given the large Bangladeshi community already living there.

Social impacts are already being felt. Shah Badruzzaman Ruhel, general secretary of the Bangladeshi American Cultural Association, said the decision has had a profound effect on applicants’ mental and family lives. “Those who were at the final stage of the process after years of waiting are the most disappointed,” he said.

Although the Bangladeshi government has not issued a formal statement, diplomatic sources say Dhaka is seeking clarification through U.S. channels regarding the scope and duration of the suspension, particularly for applications already at advanced stages.

As uncertainty continues, Bangladeshi applicants are being advised to closely monitor updates from the U.S. Embassy and seek legal guidance on alternative pathways. The suspension highlights how shifts in U.S. immigration policy can have immediate and lasting consequences for Bangladesh, where migration remains closely tied to family reunification, economic opportunity, and global mobility.