A. M. 
The United States Embassy in El Salvador clarified that salvadoran citizens are not included in the recent decision of the US Government to freeze the processing of immigrant visas (permanent residence) for 75 nationalities considered high risk in the use of public benefits.
The diplomatic headquarters reported, through the social network X, that this measure does not affect El Salvador and that the immigration procedures for salvadorans continue without changes. Likewise, he specified that the provision does not apply to tourist visas or other types of non-immigrant visas, such as study, temporary work or exchange visas.
What the United States measure establishes
According to official information, the US Department of State will temporarily suspend, starting january 21, 2026, the issuance of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries included in an immigration review list.
The measure is part of a comprehensive review of immigration policies, regulations and guidelines, promoted by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has reiterated that immigrants must be economically self-sufficient and not represent a burden on American taxpayers.
The goal of this review is to ensure that permanent residency applicants from countries considered high risk do not use welfare benefits or rely on public assistance programs in the United States.
Visas that are still valid
The US authorities stressed that the suspension only affects immigrant visas, that is, those that allow obtaining permanent residence. Non-immigrant visas continue to be processed normally, including tourism, study, business and temporary work visas.
In the case of El Salvador, applicants can continue to apply for both immigrant and non-immigrant visas according to the usual procedures.
Countries included in the suspension
Among the nationalities subject to the temporary suspension are countries from America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The Latin American and Caribbean region includes, among others, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua, Uruguay and Jamaica, as well as countries such as Russia, Iran, Syria, Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghanistan.
The State Department has not detailed how long the suspension will remain in effect, or whether the list of countries could be modified once the ongoing review is concluded.
Call to inform yourself through official channels
The United States Embassy reiterated that salvadoran citizens should not be alarmed, since the measure does not affect them, and recommended staying informed only through official channels regarding possible updates to immigration policy.
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