Bangladeshis living in the United States and those seeking to immigrate are increasingly anxious following President Donald Trump’s tough stance on immigration, particularly after Washington announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Bangladesh.
The decision has sparked widespread concern among Bangladeshi nationals who are at various stages of the immigration process, as no immigrant visas will be processed after 21 January, leaving thousands facing prolonged uncertainty.
An official at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington said the move is not targeted at any single country. “This is not a country-specific decision. It is a general policy, and Bangladesh has been included along with 74 other countries,” the official said.
However, he acknowledged growing unease among migrants. “Bangladeshis who are legally staying in the United States have no immediate problem. But several thousand Bangladeshis who are at different stages of the immigration process are feeling shaky and uncertain about their future,” he added.
According to embassy officials, the anxiety extends beyond nationality. “The general feeling is that anyone who is in the process of obtaining legal status, regardless of nationality, is concerned about what lies ahead,” the official said.
He noted that the Trump administration’s immigration policy revolves around two core priorities: boosting exports and cracking down on undocumented migrants. “From the beginning, the entire US administration has been working along these lines,” he said.
Dhaka to remain engaged
Despite the setback, Bangladesh plans to maintain active engagement with the US administration to address the concerns of affected citizens.
Another senior official said the suspension would have far-reaching consequences. “Immigrant visa seekers will be directly affected by the latest decision. There will also be a negative impact on family reunification,” he said.
Citing an example, the official explained that many Bangladeshi immigrants who have applied for visas for their family members will now see their applications frozen indefinitely. “The entire process has effectively been put on hold,” he said.
When asked about Dhaka’s possible response, the official said Bangladesh would continue diplomatic efforts with patience. “We will remain engaged with the US administration. Our engagement will include the White House, the State Department, Congress, the Senate, the Department of Homeland Security, and other relevant agencies,” he said.
At the same time, officials acknowledged the limits of diplomatic influence. “Immigration and visa policies fall under the sovereign authority of any state. While we can raise concerns and engage in dialogue, it is ultimately their prerogative to take decisions they deem fit,” another official said.
Deportation figures
Officials also revealed that around 1,500 Bangladeshis have received final orders of removal from the United States, with about 100 currently held in various detention centres. “Whenever the US authorities request, we issue travel permits to facilitate repatriation,” an official said.
The latest US decision
The US State Department recently announced the indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Bangladesh, as part of a broader effort to restrict applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge”.
The directive, set to take effect on 21 January, was outlined in an internal State Department memorandum instructing consular officers to refuse immigrant visas under existing legal provisions while the department undertakes a comprehensive review of its screening and vetting procedures.
Officials say the reassessment could take an extended period, leaving thousands of prospective immigrants in limbo.
