ISLAMABAD: The United States has formally announced a freeze on the issuance of immigrant visas for Pakistani nationals starting next week, while confirming that non-immigrant visas will continue to be processed, according to a social media post by the US embassy on Friday.

The statement comes two days after the State Department said it would suspend the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, as President Donald Trump presses ahead with a hard-line immigration agenda centered on financial self-sufficiency.

In an update published on its website, the State Department said it was conducting a comprehensive review of immigration policies to ensure that migrants from what it described as “high-risk” countries do not rely on public welfare in the United States or become a “public charge.”

“The Trump Administration is focused on protecting the American people by upholding the highest standards of screening and vetting of visa applicants,” the US embassy said on X. “Effective January 21, the Department of State is pausing issuance to all immigrant visa applicants from selected countries, including Pakistan.”

“This action applies to the issuance of immigrant visas only,” it added. “It does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, such as those for tourists, students, athletes, skilled workers, and their families.”

The embassy said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had instituted the pause until authorities could ensure that new immigrants are vetted “to the maximum degree,” including confirmation that applicants meet eligibility requirements and will not rely on public assistance.

Pakistan’s foreign office said a day earlier that it was seeking clarity from US authorities on the scope and implementation of the restrictions, while immigration consultants and travel agents reported growing uncertainty among applicants with pending cases.

Trump has intensified immigration enforcement since returning to office in January, expanding federal operations across major US cities. Earlier this month, a US immigration agent shot dead a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis, triggering overnight protests and renewed criticism over the administration’s hard-line approach.