Fiji has been included among 75 nations impacted by a recent action from the United States Government to suspend immigrant visa processing, a move that reflects an enhanced immigration policy under the Trump administration. Starting January 21, this suspension will apply to countries deemed likely to have migrants who may depend on government welfare programs, a designation referred to by officials as becoming a “public charge.”
The U.S. State Department has stated that this decision, which will remain in effect indefinitely, aims to safeguard American taxpayers. They indicated that visa processing will be paused until adequate measures are established to prevent what they call the “extraction of wealth from the American people.”
Though the complete list of affected countries has not been officially released, Fiji’s inclusion signals potential delays for Fijians applying for permanent residency or immigrant visas to the United States. It is noteworthy that this suspension specifically targets immigrant visas and does not impact temporary visas, such as tourist, student, or business travel—a fact that still leaves room for future changes.
Since resuming office, the Trump administration has already revoked over 100,000 visas and deported in excess of 600,000 individuals as part of its ongoing focus on border and immigration enforcement. This has raised alarm among immigration policy experts, who worry that such measures may deter migrant families from seeking necessary services to which they are legally entitled, out of concern for potential repercussions on their immigration status.
Research from the Cato Institute in 2025 has shown that immigrants generally utilize fewer welfare benefits compared to native-born Americans, countering narratives that suggest migrants impose a heavier burden on public resources.
As of now, there is no official response from the Fijian Government regarding how this visa suspension will affect its nationals. Despite the challenges presented by these new policies, there remains hope that fostering a dialogue around immigration could lead to more equitable solutions in the future.