Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamina Johnson-Smith has confirmed that Jamaica is among 75 countries from which the United States is suspending immigrant visa issuance, indefinitely.

The US department of state made the announcement today.

The suspension will take effect on January 21.

In a post on X, Mrs. Johnson-Smith said the suspension does not affect visa applications for regular tourist, student, business and seasonal work programmes, that is, farm work and hospitality.

She encouraged persons with processes underway and who have specific questions, to contact the US embassy for updates.

According to US media the suspension applies to immigrant visas or applicants seeking permanent residency in the us.

The pause does not apply to non-immigrant visas like student and tourist visas.

The suspension comes after the state department last year directed increased scrutiny under the “public charge” provision of immigration law meant to target those who the Trump administration believes will become a strain on public resources.

State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement today, that the department will use its long-standing authority to deem in-eligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.

The state department on X, said the freeze will remain active until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth and take public benefits from the American people.

meantime, the US embassy in Jamaica said immigrant visa interview appointments will continue as scheduled.

It stressed that non-immigrant visas are not affected by the pause announced today.

Other Caribbean countries impacted by the suspension are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas,  Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti,  St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.