East Africa: Kenya Spared As U.S. Halts Immigrant Visa Processing for Other EAC States

Nairobi — Kenya has been excluded from a new U.S. immigrant visa processing freeze that has hit several East African countries, as Washington moves to limit immigration from selected nations.

The suspension affects Somalia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Sudan and South Sudan, according to a notice circulated to U.S. embassies and consulates. The freeze, which applies to 75 countries globally, takes effect on January 21, 2026.

Under the directive, U.S….