Philippines spared from US suspension of immigrant visasImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents stand near a gate at Delaney Hall, a newly converted immigrant detention centre in Elizabeth, New Jersey May 7, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The United States will suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries starting next week, but the Philippines is not among those affected. But "Filipinos [are] not included," Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez told Philstar.com in a message on Thursday, January 15. The suspension applies only to immigrant visas for permanent residency, not tourist or business visas. The directive instructs consular officers to halt immigrant visa applications while reassessing screening procedures under the "public charge" provision of immigration law.

Source: Philippine Star January 15, 2026 04:49 UTC