Morocco and Dozens of African Nations Face Major U.S. Travel Setback as Immigrant Visa Processing is Frozen

The United States government has recently made a surprising and impactful decision: halting immigrant visa processing for nationals from over 26 African countries, including Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, and Senegal. This policy, which took effect in February 2026, is part of a broader effort to ensure economic stability and reassess visa applicants’ ability to financially support themselves in the U.S. While non-immigrant visas like tourist or student visas are not directly affected, this move has caused widespread uncertainty among families, professionals, and students hoping to start a new chapter in the United States.

In this blog, we break down who is affected, why the policy was introduced, and what it means for Moroccan and other African travelers.

Why the U.S. Stopped Immigrant Visa Processing

According to the U.S. Department of State, the visa freeze is primarily aimed at reassessing the “public charge” rule, which determines whether a visa applicant might rely on U.S. government benefits. Officials say this is a measure to protect the U.S. economy and ensure that immigrants entering the country can support themselves.

The freeze applies to immigrant visas, which are required for permanent residency (Green Cards). It does not apply to temporary travel visas such as those for tourism, study, or short-term work. However, some applicants report that even non-immigrant visa applications are being scrutinized more carefully, particularly in countries like Morocco, due to fears of misuse, such as “birth tourism.”

Which Countries Are Affected?

This freeze impacts citizens from 26 African nations, including:

North Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia

West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo, The Gambia, Guinea, Cape Verde

East Africa: Ethiopia, Eritrea, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda

Central Africa: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo

This blanket approach has left many prospective immigrants uncertain about when, or if, their applications will be processed.

How Moroccan Citizens Are Impacted

For Moroccan nationals, this freeze is particularly concerning. Many Moroccans were already experiencing delays in visa processing due to high demand and stricter security checks. With this policy in place, immigrant visa applicants may face indefinite delays, affecting:

Family reunifications

Employment-based immigration

Permanent relocation plans

While tourist and student visas remain available, increased scrutiny and extra documentation requests are making the process more challenging. Applicants are often asked to provide detailed financial records, proof of intent to return to Morocco, or evidence against misuse of the visa system.

The Human Impact

The freeze doesn’t just affect paperwork; it has real human consequences. Families hoping to reunite across continents may be separated for extended periods. Students and professionals planning to work or study in the U.S. now face uncertainty that could disrupt careers and education.

Legal experts and advocacy groups argue that this blanket policy is unfair, as it penalizes all applicants from the affected countries rather than evaluating individuals on their merits. Several lawsuits have been filed claiming the policy may be discriminatory and inconsistent with existing U.S. immigration law.

Broader Diplomatic and Economic Effects

Beyond personal impacts, this policy may affect diplomatic relations between the U.S. and African countries. Many African nations maintain strong trade, cultural, and security ties with the United States. A prolonged freeze could strain relationships, particularly if families and skilled professionals are blocked from travel.

Supporters argue the measure protects the U.S. immigration system and economic stability. Critics warn it could damage America’s reputation as a welcoming destination for migrants and weaken global partnerships.

What You Can Do If You’re Affected

For Moroccan or African nationals impacted by the freeze, here are some tips:

Stay informed – Regularly check the U.S. Department of State website for updates.

Keep documents ready – Make sure your financial records, employment details, and personal information are updated and organized.

Prepare for delays – Accept that interviews or approvals may take months or even longer.

Consider non-immigrant visas – While immigrant visas are frozen, student or work visas may still be processed with extra scrutiny.

Seek legal advice – Immigration lawyers or accredited organizations can provide guidance on how to navigate new requirements.

Looking Ahead

The U.S. government has not announced a timeline for lifting the immigrant visa freeze. Until further notice, Moroccan nationals and others from affected countries will have to wait and monitor official channels for updates.

While the decision is framed as a move to protect economic stability, it undeniably has wide-ranging consequences for African families, students, and professionals hoping to move to the U.S. For now, patience and preparation are key for anyone affected by the policy.

Conclusion

The U.S. immigrant visa freeze for Morocco and other African nations represents a significant travel and migration setback. While it primarily affects permanent residency applicants, its ripple effects touch families, professionals, and students across the continent. As this policy unfolds, staying informed, prepared, and flexible will be essential for those hoping to navigate the complex U.S. immigration landscape.