We’ve recently received a number of inquiries from our clients and professional network regarding U.S. immigration developments impacting specific nationalities—particularly individuals from, or with ties to, Pakistan.

This concern stems largely from reports circulated earlier this year about a potential travel ban involving 43 countries, including Pakistan. These reports referenced a draft memo connected to a White House Executive Order. While media outlets and some government officials have discussed the prospective policy at length, it’s important to note that this memo was not finalized, and no official policy has been implemented as of now.

At this time, we are not aware of any broad or systematic changes in the processing of U.S. visa applications for citizens of the countries named in the draft—including Pakistan.

If the policy were to be enacted in its current form, Pakistan would reportedly fall under the “Orange” category, which could have several implications:

1. Mandatory in-person interviews for most visa categories, even those that previously qualified for waivers—likely contributing to longer processing times and increased backlogs.
2. Greater scrutiny, likely leading to higher denial rates.
3. Selective suspension of visa categories—with tourist visas being potentially paused, while business visas and other categories may continue.
   

That said, as of now, there are no definitive restrictions preventing Pakistani nationals from obtaining U.S. visas. In fact, recent official government data indicates continued visa issuance:

• In February 2025, 7,076 nonimmigrant visas were issued to Pakistani nationals, compared to 10,803 in January and 10,737 in December 2024.
• On the immigrant visa side, 1,846 visas were issued to individuals born in Pakistan in February 2025, following 1,904 in January.
  

As with all matters related to immigration, each case is unique. For personalized guidance and the most up-to-date information, we recommend consulting with an experienced immigration professional.