Immigrant visas pause leaves Bangladeshi families in uncertainty

Tamim Hossain’s long wait for immigrant visas to reunite with his wife and daughters in the United States has turned uncertain after the US government paused issuing immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries, including Bangladesh.

Tamim, 51, applied for immigrant visas two years ago and was expecting an appointment this February. His wife, a college teacher in New York, and their two daughters have lived in the US for over a decade. Now, like many Bangladeshi applicants, his family reunion plans are on hold.

Family reunification disrupted

Tamim said his elder daughter, 19, is studying at a university and working part-time, while the younger daughter is also a student. Despite their efforts, he often sends money to support them.

“My family is working hard and paying taxes. They are not dependent on any welfare scheme,” Tamim told The Daily Star.

He said he has sold his assets and planned to resign from his job in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, his sick father-in-law is undergoing treatment in the US, and his elder daughter postponed moving to another state for university, hoping her father would arrive soon.

“Altogether, it is a family reunion that I am missing. I am frustrated,” he said.

US stance on immigrant visas

In a January 14 statement, the US State Department said President Donald Trump has made it clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not become a public burden.

The department said it is reviewing policies to ensure immigrants from high-risk countries do not rely on welfare. While applicants can still submit forms and attend interviews, immigrant visas will not be issued during the pause. No previously issued immigrant visas have been revoked, and tourist and business visas are not covered by the suspension.

Visa bond policy adds pressure

Travel has also become harder under the expanded visa bond programme. On January 6, the US State Department added Bangladesh to the list of countries subject to visa bonds for B1 and B2 visas, effective January 21.

The bond amount—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—will be decided during interviews. The programme aims to curb visa overstays but has raised concerns among ordinary travellers and businesses.

Deportations and overstay data

As immigration enforcement has tightened, about 300 irregular Bangladeshis were repatriated from the US over the past year, with more than 300 others eligible for return. Over 4,000 cases are pending in court, according to a diplomatic source in Washington.

US Customs and Border Protection data for fiscal year 2024 shows Bangladesh’s overall overstay rate at 5.73 percent, higher than India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Diplomatic engagement and concerns

During a recent meeting, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker told Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman that Washington would positively consider easing travel and business visas if overstays decline. She also appreciated Bangladesh’s cooperation in accepting undocumented nationals.

Academic Mohammad Jalal Uddin Sikder of North South University said restrictive policies on immigrant visas could be used as bargaining tools but warned of wider consequences.

“When legal migration pathways are controlled, illegal migration increases. This also creates new criminal networks,” he said, adding that suspending immigrant visas hampers family reunification and can lead to serious social and human consequences.

The pause on immigrant visas has left families like Tamim Hossain’s facing prolonged separation and uncertainty. As reviews continue, many Bangladeshi applicants worry that restrictions on immigrant visas will delay family reunification and deepen social strain.