US resumes immigrant visa processing for Poland and Hungary while global freeze persists

Selective resumption for Poland and Hungary

The administration of President Donald Trump directed consular posts in Poland and Hungary to resume processing immigrant visa applications, establishing an exclusive exemption to a worldwide suspension that remains in place for most other nations. The directive originated directly from the White House, according to two officials familiar with the decision. The State Department did not respond to inquiries regarding why Poland and Hungary received exemptions while applicants across the rest of the world remain blocked. The decision applies exclusively to immigrant visas, which permit foreign nationals to secure lawful permanent residence and employment in the United States, rather than temporary tourist travel or trips conducted under the Visa Waiver Program. Eligible categories include family members of US citizens, relatives of permanent residents, and priority applicants possessing specialized professional qualifications.

Origins of the global interview pause

The current restrictions follow a series of administrative actions taken throughout 2026 to curb immigrant entry into the United States. In January, the State Department halted immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, concentrated heavily across Africa, Asia, and South America, citing concerns that new arrivals could become dependent on public welfare. A federal court intervened in August, ruling that the targeted 75-country freeze was "glaringly unlawful." In response to the court ruling, the State Department altered its approach and announced an across-the-board suspension on 26 August. Consular interviews were cancelled worldwide to allow the department to conduct mandatory training for consular officers on updated standards designed to verify applicant self-sufficiency.

Court commitments and procedural delays

The interview freeze has extended well beyond the timeline the Trump administration submitted during judicial proceedings. Federal officials had previously told the court that the worldwide interview pause would conclude at the end of August. Instead, the global restrictions remain active and may continue for an extended period, delaying visa adjudications for tens of thousands of applicants worldwide. The prolonged disruption has heavily affected relatives of American citizens and legal permanent residents who were awaiting final consular interviews. In 2024, the United States issued approximately 600,000 immigrant visas, showing the substantial volume of legal immigration curtailed by the continuing freeze.

Diplomatic ties and prior consular decisions

The targeted exemption coincides with close political relations between Donald Trump and conservative leadership in Central Europe. Trump has cultivated ties with figures in both countries, including Polish President Karol Nawrocki and former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, even as his administration pursues far-reaching measures to restrict both legal and unauthorized immigration. American officials previously took non-standard consular action regarding Polish figures, when Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau instructed consuls to grant a journalist visa to Zbigniew Ziobro, a former Polish justice minister who is being pursued by Polish prosecutors.