Jamaica among CARICOM countries hit by US immigrant visa freeze

Jamaica is among several Caribbean nations facing a major US immigration shake-up as Washington announced Wednesday it is suspending the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries.

The freeze affects Jamaicans seeking immigrant visas, though tourist, business, and World Cup travel remain unaffected.

The move, announced by the Trump administration, is aimed at curbing what it calls "abuse" of America's immigration system by foreign nationals seeking welfare and public benefits. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the pause will last while U.S. authorities reassess immigration procedures.

Other Caribbean nations on the list include Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. With the notable exclusions of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on X that Somalia, Russia, and Iran are also affected, along with several countries that have historically friendly relations with the U.S.

The announcement comes amid Trump's ongoing push to cut immigration from non-European countries. The State Department said more than 100,000 visas have been revoked since Trump's return to office, marking a one-year record, while the Department of Homeland Security revealed that over 605,000 people have been deported and another 2.5 million left voluntarily.

Jamaicans applying for immigrant visas are being urged to monitor updates from the U.S. Embassy as this new policy takes effect.

- CANA

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