The United States has announced restrictions on immigrant visas for nationals from 75 countries, triggering questions about the criteria used and the inclusion of countries such as Thailand, Bhutan, and Kuwait, which are not traditionally associated with large-scale illegal migration or security threats.
According to U.S. authorities, the visa restrictions are not blanket bans but are linked to compliance failures related to immigration and security protocols. These include inadequate sharing of criminal or identity data, weak passport verification systems, high visa overstay rates, and limited cooperation in accepting deported nationals. Countries that do not meet updated U.S. immigration security benchmarks are placed under heightened scrutiny or partial suspension categories.
Thailand’s inclusion is reportedly connected to visa overstay concerns and gaps in information-sharing mechanisms, rather than any direct political or security conflict with Washington. U.S. officials have previously flagged Southeast Asian countries for overstays, even when bilateral relations remain strong.
Bhutan’s presence on the list has drawn particular attention due to its small population and limited migration footprint. Analysts suggest that Bhutan’s administrative capacity, including biometric data systems and real-time information exchange with U.S. authorities, may not yet meet evolving compliance standards, leading to its classification despite low migration numbers.
Kuwait’s inclusion is linked to documentation and verification issues, as well as cooperation benchmarks tied to deportation and identity confirmation. While Kuwait remains a key U.S. partner in the Gulf, immigration policy assessments are conducted separately from diplomatic or military alliances.
U.S. officials have clarified that countries can be removed from the list once deficiencies are addressed. The policy is framed as a security and compliance measure rather than a political statement, though critics argue that it disproportionately affects ordinary travelers, students, and families.
The move reflects a broader tightening of U.S. immigration controls, with an emphasis on data transparency, enforcement cooperation, and visa compliance. For countries like Thailand, Bhutan, and Kuwait, engagement with U.S. authorities to address technical gaps could determine how long the restrictions remain in place.
