NYT: Trump Policies Cut February US Legal Immigration in Half
Donald Trump Immigration Policy Cuts US Legal Immigration in Half
Donald Trump administration immigration restriction policies drove February legal immigration down sharply across the United States, according to the New York Times as reported by koreancenter.or.kr. On 18 February, the State Department issued 2만6천건 immigrant visas in February, dropping to half of the pre-inauguration monthly average of 5만2천 건.
Central Asia and Africa Face Steepest Visa Drops
Central Asia absorbed the steepest geographic contraction with a 99 percent drop in legal immigrant visa issuance, followed by Africa at 89 percent, Eastern Europe at 84 percent, the Middle East at 81 percent, and Australia and Oceania at 73 percent. New immigrant visas for South Korean applicants fell 19 percent from a monthly average of 420 between 2023 and 2024 down to 340 this February. China saw a 31 percent drop, India declined 16 percent, and Japan experienced a 25 percent reduction. Immigration from 91 countries effectively halted, while Muslim-majority nations faced drops exceeding 90 percent. Philippines, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Spain were also named as countries where visa issuances increased.
Canada and Mexico See Visa Issuances Increase
Canada and Mexico recorded 142 percent and 17 percent increases respectively in legal immigrant visa issuances after escaping visa restrictions.
| Country or Region | Visa Issuance Trend |
|---|---|
| Central Asia | 99% decrease |
| Africa | 89% decrease |
| China | 31% decrease |
| Japan | 25% decrease |
| South Korea | 19% decrease |
| India | 16% decrease |
| Canada | 142% increase |
Student and Worker Visas Decline by 30 Percent
Nonimmigrant visas declined alongside immigrant categories, with student and worker visas dropping 30 percent from the previous year and tourist and business visas falling 25 percent. India and China were not specified as entry ban targets, but student and employment visa issuance counts plunged due to new regulations and the creation of fees. He entered the U.S. unlawfully as a minor 26 years ago, married his American citizen wife in 2021, and sought to apply for legal permanent residency, but has been completely unable to set foot in the United States since January as visa procedures halted. Daniel Brackins stated, I have to watch my son grow up over video calls, and my relationship with my wife is under a lot of stress.
Administration Designates 39 Countries for Entry Bans
The administration designated 39 countries for entry bans or visa blocks, adding to an initial list of 12 nations that included Iran, Yemen, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan. Authorities also replaced the random lottery system for H-1B professional specialty work visas with new selection criteria.