The executive order titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States” went into effect on January 1, 2026. The order temporarily bars all immigration visa processing from seventy-five different countries. Recently, the Department of State (DOS) explained the pause doesn’t apply to adoption visas for individuals from the affected countries.
Immigration Pause
The executive order paused immigration visa processing for individuals from the following countries:
- Afghanistan.
- Antigua and Barbuda.
- Benin.
- Myanmar (Burma).
- Chad.
- Republic of the Congo.
- Equatorial Guinea.
- Eritrea.
- Haiti.
- Iran.
- Ivory Coast.
- Libya.
- Somalia.
- Sudan.
- Senegal.
- Yemen.
- Burundi.
- Cuba.
- Laos.
- Sierra Leone.
- Tanzania.
- Togo.
- Tonga.
- Turkmenistan.
- Venezuela.
- Zambia.
- Zimbabwe.
- Mauritania.
- Niger.
- The Gambia.
- Mali.
The impacted countries had particularly visa overstay rates, per immigration authorities. It’s unclear whether the government will remove the restrictions all at once or individually for each country.
Adoption Visa Exception
Children being adopted by American citizens still qualify for visa processing under the National Interest Exception (NIE). The NIE lets foreign nationals enter the U.S. if their arrival advances critical security, economic, or humanitarian interests. Adoption falls under the latter category.
Families in the process of adopting children from the affected countries should continue normal adoption procedures. This mainly entails submitting visa applications and attending consular interviews. Under the NIE, taking additional steps isn’t needed.
As always, Immigration USA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, please contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws and policy updates. In an ever-evolving immigration landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.