BANGKOK – The U.S. Government under Donald Trump will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries, including Thailand, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said on Wednesday, marking one of the Trump administration’s most drastic measures in its immigration crackdown.

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The spokesperson did not provide further details about the plan, first reported by Fox News, which cited a State Department memorandum.

While the State Department did not release the full list of affected nations, it confirmed that Thailand, Brazil, Egypt, Somalia, Russia, and Iran are among them. The suspension applies only to immigrant visas—those for permanent residency—and does not affect tourist, business, or other non-immigrant visas.

“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” Pigott stated. He explained that the pause will allow the State Department to reassess procedures to block entry to individuals likely to become dependent on public benefits.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated on social media that Somalia—a country President Trump has previously criticized—is included in the ban. The administration has emphasized stricter vetting for all visa applicants, including reviews of social media activity.

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration is preparing to suspend all visa processing ‌for visitors ​from 75 countries — including Thailand — starting on Jan 21, Fox News reported on Wednesday, citing a memo from the US State Department.

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Since President Trump’s return to office, the State Department has revoked over 100,000 visas, a one-year record. The Department of Homeland Security also reported last month that more than 605,000 people have been deported, with an additional 2.5 million leaving voluntarily.

The move aligns with Trump’s longstanding push to restrict immigration from non-European nations and prioritize applicants from regions such as Scandinavia. The suspension is expected to remain in place while new screening protocols are developed.

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The Trump administration had already imposed much stricter rules, in addition to a visa screening process that has long been one of the most rigorous in the world. Last year, the administration ordered officials to review applicants’ social media profiles for signs of anti-American views.

-Thailand News (TN)