Trump's visa crackdown hits SEA's Cambodia and Thailand, a decision experts find 'puzzling'
Fortune • • world
Key Points:
- The U.S. will suspend immigrant visa issuance for Cambodia, Thailand, and several other Asian countries starting January 21, marking the first time Cambodia and Thailand face such restrictions despite recent trade deals with the U.S. under President Trump.
- The suspension applies only to immigrant visas, not non-immigrant visas like tourist or business visas, and is part of a broader review to ensure immigrants from these "high-risk" countries do not become public charges.
- Experts suggest the visa suspension is a political move aimed at pressuring countries into deals, with concerns that targeting Thailand could push it closer to China, potentially undermining U.S. influence in Southeast Asia.
- The Trump administration has intensified immigration crackdowns, including suspending the
