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The United States has suspended immigration visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Cameroon.
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The Trump administration said it aims to curb access to U.S. social welfare and public benefits.
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The suspension does not apply to tourist, business, or official visas, according to Reuters.
The U.S. government announced the suspension of immigration visa issuance for migrants from several countries as part of a broader policy shift.
The administration of President Donald Trump justified the measure by citing the need to reduce pressure on public finances linked to social welfare spending. The freeze affects a total of 75 countries.
“Immigration from these 75 countries will be suspended while the State Department reevaluates application processing procedures in order to prevent the entry of foreign nationals likely to benefit from social assistance and public benefits,” the U.S. government said.
The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.
— Department of State (@StateDept) January 14, 2026
Media reports in the United States said Cameroon appears on the list of affected countries. As a result, Cameroonian nationals seeking to migrate permanently to the United States will no longer be able to do so through immigration visas during the suspension period.
However, the measure does not apply to all visa categories. The policy allows U.S. authorities to continue issuing visas to government officials, tourists, and business travelers. Reuters reported that the suspension does not target visitor visas.
The situation for Cameroonians living in the United States had already deteriorated following President Trump’s reelection.
U.S. authorities had placed Cameroonian nationals on a list of individuals facing possible deportation. Nearly 8,000 Cameroonians became affected by the termination of the Temporary Protected Status program administered by the Department of Homeland Security.
This article was initially published in French by Ludovic Amara
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum