The US Department of State has confirmed that its halt on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, remains in effect.
The suspension applies only to immigrant visas, while nonimmigrant visas such as tourist and student categories are unaffected.
The US Embassy in Dhaka reiterated this policy in a Facebook post on Saturday.
Earlier on 15 January, the United States announced the indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for Bangladesh and 74 other countries as part of a sweeping move to restrict applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge.”
The directive, effective since January 21, instructs consular officers to refuse immigrant visas under existing statutes while the Department of State conducts a comprehensive reassessment of screening and vetting procedures.
The suspension aims to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who might rely on US welfare or public benefit programmes.
According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott, the department intends to use its long-standing authority to identify potential immigrants who could “exploit the generosity of the American people.”
Under the revised guidance, consular officials will evaluate a wide range of factors to determine if an applicant is likely to become a public charge.
