The UK is imposing visa restrictions on the Democratic Republic of Congo due to its government's failure to cooperate with the UK's migrant return policies, following similar measures against Angola and Namibia, as part of broader asylum reforms.
The US is adding Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica to its list of travel restrictions starting January 1, 2026, due to concerns over their citizenship-by-investment programs, which may hinder US visa vetting processes. The partial ban affects certain visa types for citizens of these countries but does not impact US citizens or all foreign travelers.
Caribbean tensions rise as Trinidad's Prime Minister accuses neighboring leaders of badmouthing the U.S. over military build-up and visa restrictions, leading to regional disputes and questions about U.S. policies in the Caribbean.
U.S. visa restrictions under Trump are accelerating the shift of high-value work to India, boosting the growth of global capability centers (GCCs) in the country, which are increasingly handling strategic and innovation-led functions, despite potential risks from proposed outsourcing taxes and trade tensions.
The Trump administration announced a new $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, causing confusion and concern among current visa holders and major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, who advised employees to avoid international travel. The policy primarily affects new visa applicants, but its implementation has created uncertainty for current visa holders, leading to legal challenges and widespread unease in the tech sector.
A Pew Research poll shows that nearly 80% of Americans support U.S. colleges accepting international students, with significant political and demographic variations, and some support restrictions on students from certain countries or criticizing U.S. foreign policy.
The US travel ban and visa restrictions on citizens from 19 countries have significantly impacted international students' ability to attend US colleges, causing delays, cancellations, and students seeking alternatives in Europe and other regions, amid broader immigration crackdowns.
The UK considers suspending visas from countries refusing to cooperate on illegal migrant returns, while royal tensions and political upheavals continue with Prince Harry's non-reunion with Prince William, French prime minister's fall, and leaked data on Boris Johnson's activities. Additionally, issues in healthcare, Labour party politics, and international drug trafficking are highlighted.
The US is considering restrictions on several foreign delegations attending the UN General Assembly, including a potential ban on Iranian diplomats shopping at Costco without permission, as part of a broader crackdown on visas and travel restrictions for countries like Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Brazil, while easing some restrictions for Syria.
A significant drop in international visitors to the US is attributed to Donald Trump's immigration policies, trade rhetoric, and visa restrictions, leading to economic losses and a decline in tourism across major cities, with projections indicating the slump may continue beyond summer 2025.
The decline in international student enrollment in U.S. colleges, driven by stricter visa policies under the Trump administration, is causing significant financial strain on small and financially vulnerable institutions, including many Christian colleges, as international students contribute substantially to their revenue and budgets.
The U.S. has revoked the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials ahead of the UN General Assembly, citing national security concerns and non-compliance with commitments to combat terrorism, prompting protests from the Palestinian Authority and raising international legal questions.
The Trump administration proposed a new rule to limit international students' stay in the US to a fixed four-year period, replacing the current 'duration of status' policy, which could reduce international student enrollment and increase bureaucratic hurdles, with educators warning of negative impacts on US higher education and global competitiveness.
Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato is experiencing its largest international student intake ever, bucking the national trend of declining international enrollments due to stricter U.S. visa policies and travel bans, with a 50% increase this year and students from 35 countries, supported by the college's welcoming environment and efforts to reassure students and families.
The US has imposed visa restrictions on Brazilian officials involved in working with Cuba's medical missions, citing exploitation concerns, as part of broader efforts to pressure Cuba and Brazil over political and trade issues. Cuba defends its medical programs, which have provided healthcare to millions in Brazil.