Sec. Marco Rubio freezes all US foreign visa processing indefinitely from 75 countries

What We Know So Far About the Reported U.S. “75-Country Visa Restriction” Talks

In recent days, several international news outlets and policy commentators have reported that the United States is discussing possible changes to its visa and travel screening system. These reports have been widely shared online, leading to confusion and concern — especially because nothing has been officially published yet on U.S. government websites.

So, what is actually being proposed, and who would it affect?

This explainer is based on media reports, policy analysis, and how U.S. visa systems already work.

First, an Important Clarification

As of now:

• ❌ No official ban has been published
• ❌ No final list of 75 countries has been released
• ❌ No new law or executive order is in force

What is being discussed are possible policy proposals, not confirmed rules.

What Is Being Proposed (According to Reports)

The discussions reportedly focus on entry screening and travel restrictions, not on cancelling all visas.

The proposals are said to involve:

• Tighter security and background checks
• Greater use of country-risk classifications
• Possible temporary entry restrictions for certain categories of travelers from specific countries
• Increased scrutiny at airports and borders, even for valid visa holders

This would be done under immigration and national security powers that already exist.

Who Would Likely 

NOT

 Be Affected

This is where much of the misunderstanding is happening.

Based on how similar U.S. policies work, the following visa categories are generally NOT the target of such proposals:

• 🎓 Student visas (F-1, M-1)
• 🧳 Tourist / visitor visas (B-1/B-2)
• 💼 Business visas
• ✈️ Transit visas
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-based visas
• 🏛️ Diplomatic and official travel

People already studying, visiting, or doing legitimate business are not automatically banned under these discussions.

Who Could Be More Affected

Reports suggest the focus may be on:

• Certain immigrant visa pathways
• Individuals applying for long-term relocation
• Applicants from countries flagged for:
  • Document verification issues
  • Security data gaps
  • Weak passport or civil registry systems

Even then, this would not mean automatic refusal — but more checks, delays, or limitations.

Why This Is Being Talked About Now

U.S. immigration policy often changes during:

• Election periods
• National security reviews
• Policy shifts within government departments

These discussions do not always result in final policy, but they often surface in the media before decisions are made.

What People Should Do Right Now

At this stage:

• ✔️ Follow official U.S. government announcements
• ✔️ Avoid panic or misinformation on social media
• ✔️ Continue visa applications as normal unless officially advised otherwise
• ❌ Do not rely on rumours or viral country lists

Until something appears on official U.S. channels, nothing has legally changed.

Final Note to Our Readers

The key point is simple:

This is a proposal being discussed, not a confirmed ban.

Students, visitors, business travellers, and families should understand that they are not automatically included in what is being talked about.

Voice of Africa will continue to explain developments clearly, calmly, and factually, so our audience understands what is real — and what is not.