1 hour ago, ronnie50 said:

Thailand aside for a moment, as the US announcement to suspend visitor visas affects 75 countries, not just Thailand. Some of those nations are playing in the FIFA World Cup, and as it is still 5 months away many will just be buying tickets now and would have been planning to apply for visitor's visas. Common sense would suggest those people will not buy tickets now and of course the number of foreign attendance in the U.S.-hosted World Cup matches will diminish significantly. Only a smaller fraction of the matches are being played in Canada and Mexico. I wonder if FIFA will move some of the matches out of the US to those countries? And before anyone says 'don't worry Americans will fill the empty seats' - I doubt it. If you're not aware, the ticket prices are astronomical. So why would Fred, Shirly and their two kids pay 8 or 10 grand to travel 1 or 2 States away to watch 2 countries they know nothing about play a Group H qualifying match (or whatever)? This is a huge money-losing risk for FIFA World Cup.

The ban does not apply to tourist or business visas, only to visas used to immigrate to the US.

37 minutes ago, JesusonaPogoStick said:

I don't often chime in , but this gets my goat. Thailand has been a steadfast ally if America for far too many years to be insulted in this manner.

They're in good company. Barbados? Uruguay (most stable country in SA)?

1 minute ago, atpeace said:

Thanks, I misread the OP and it was concerning immigration and not tourist visas.

I don't expect a B1/B2 will be any easier, even my wifes colleagues at work were grilled like crazy when trying to obtain one, and they are University professionals spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in the US on education.

1 minute ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

The ban does not apply to tourist or business visas, only to visas used to immigrate to the US.

Thanks - I thought it was for visitors too. Anyway, it will scare people off anyway.

1 hour ago, FritsSikkink said:

Thailand doesn't have a ban, they check finances. Would have thought the USA does that too.

The USA already has financial requirements for immigrants and their sponsors to meet. The amount and type of resources depends upon the type of visa.

1 hour ago, ronnie50 said:

Thailand aside for a moment, as the US announcement to suspend visitor visas affects 75 countries, not just Thailand. Some of those nations are playing in the FIFA World Cup, and as it is still 5 months away many will just be buying tickets now and would have been planning to apply for visitor's visas. Common sense would suggest those people will not buy tickets now and of course the number of foreign attendance in the U.S.-hosted World Cup matches will diminish significantly. Only a smaller fraction of the matches are being played in Canada and Mexico. I wonder if FIFA will move some of the matches out of the US to those countries? And before anyone says 'don't worry Americans will fill the empty seats' - I doubt it. If you're not aware, the ticket prices are astronomical. So why would Fred, Shirly and their two kids pay 8 or 10 grand to travel 1 or 2 States away to watch 2 countries they know nothing about play a Group H qualifying match (or whatever)? This is a huge money-losing risk for FIFA World Cup.

Will the Trump regime approve visas for the Egyptian and Iranian soccer teams to play their much-anticipated Pride match?

4 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Many of us are hoping that this won't affect spousal visas. When she applied previously she got a 10-year multiple entry and all they were interested in seeing was my passport, to determine that I travel back and forth from Thailand to the US frequently. Hopefully that will remain the same.

Any info anyone might have would be helpful.

I hope so too and just need to start the process. Both of us are too laid back at this point of our lives. Her last trip out of Asia was Spain with her employer and that was twenty years ago. Maybe next week :)

5 hours ago, redwood1 said:

I have been demanding that Thailand give me free housing, free health care, and free money every month, as all the immigrant freeloaders get in the USA, the EU, and the UK.....

So far I have not got a single baht out of the Thai government....

Expats in Thailand in Thailand need to unite and demand they give us free stuff.......lol

Dont confuse asylum seekers with illegal immigrants with legal migrants will ya. hey. Im sure your more astute than that.

4 hours ago, Asquith Production said:

I bet FIFA are devasted they gave the U.S the world cup

And that they wasted a FIFA Peace Award, which could have gone to others more deserving, like Putin.

7 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

What if Thailand does the same?

Real question: how many Americans are on an immigrant visa in Thailand? How many immigrant visas does Thailand allot each year for all nationalities?

16 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

I don't expect a B1/B2 will be any easier, even my wifes colleagues at work were grilled like crazy when trying to obtain one, and they are University professionals spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in the US on education.

I wonder why. Possibly because these are the types that are more likely to abuse the visa. They have contacts in the USA, money, and know how much more they can make in the USA. Not sure but maybe.

6 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

What if Thailand does the same?

5 hours ago, sharot724 said:

right I went through the entire process without a hitch as many have experienced. You can provide any proof, any ?

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html

3 hours ago, Kung69 said:

I didn't think anybody was interested in tourism in the US,based on:

Illegal arrests.

Incarcerstion of visitors/tourists.

5 years of social media inspection

Gun violence

Please list even just one example of a tourist while visiting the USA having any issue with INCARCERSTION???

4 hours ago, Jai Yen said:

As a Yank, let me say - America doesn't look like America

masked losers/cowards kidnapping moms is a bad look, they took some autistic lady out of her car yesterday, she was a citizen and it took 6 cowards to drag her out. Only to release her down the road away from the cameras.

Trash humans one and all, only the Cult likes what daddy is doing but they are dumb anyway

"As a yank." Americans usually refer to themselves as Americans, not yanks, which historically is reserved for use for Union troops during the Civil War.

5 hours ago, atpeace said:

My wife (marriage not registered but could be if needed ) needs to start the visa process and hope this won't complicate things. She isn't wealthy but has multiple properties and rental income (15-25k). Also has 1-2 million in the bank. She is in great health with no children and looks like a respectable 50+ ( biased I know ). I'm also financially stable but it is my understanding that my situation isn't a concern in regards to her visa.

Anybody out there have an opinion on the above? What issues might I expect?

If she's contemplating getting a B1/B2 tourist/business visa, the ban does not affect her and your financials shouldn't come into play.

If you are looking to get a K-1 (fiancee) visa for her, the ban may very well apply even though technically the K-1 isn't an immigrant visa. But as her sponsor, your financial status would come under review.

Surprise surprise - Trump causes worry and problems

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

The vast majority of mass shootings in the US are perpetrated by conservative folks. So, stop with your disinformation campaign already.

He said nothing about mass shootings. You just imagined that after your huge kool aid slurp.

March 2023 I applied for CR1 visa for my wife, and CR2 visa for her minor child. We chose CR1 (marriage) visa instead of K1 (fiancé) visa because it allows faster path to USA citizenship, essentially they get their Green Cards (Permanent Resident) upon arrival, and can take the citizen test in 2+ years. We used an agency (TSL in Bangkok), it was necessary for us, as the process was long and complicated, I couldn't have done it on my own. It took almost a year for our applications to be approved by USCIS (US Customs and Immigration Service) and sent to US NVC (National Visa Center) for processing. It took a few more months for the interviews, prior to which they both had to undergo health and background checks. The first interview was cancelled because while my wife recovered from TB a long time ago, her chest x-rays showed scarring, she had to undergo another several weeks of additional testing. Finally in August 2024 they completed their interviews, were approved, and got their CR1/CR2 visas. We immediately flew to USA to begin our life together here. Since then they have been model citizens, contributing to community and economy. Soon this year we need to apply for 10 year green cards before the 2 year green cards expire, after which they are eligible to take USA citizen test. I feel sorry for anyone trying to bring their spouse / family to USA from Thailand now, and concerned for my own family's status in this new USA administration promoting fear and loathing about and to new immigrants to our country. While we would like to visit Thailand, and technically it shouldn't be an issue, we don't want to take the chance of not being allowed back into our country, we will stay home for now.

4 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Many of us are hoping that this won't affect spousal visas. When she applied previously she got a 10-year multiple entry and all they were interested in seeing was my passport, to determine that I travel back and forth from Thailand to the US frequently. Hopefully that will remain the same.

Any info anyone might have would be helpful.

That sounds like she was issued a 10-year B1/B2 tourist/business visa. That's a non-immigrant visa and isn't affected by the new visa issuance ban.

If you are going to seek an IR-1 visa for a spouse to immigrate and get a green card, it would be subject to the ban.

50 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Not in Minneapolis. 67% of ALL shooting there are by ICE.

Based on the first 14 days of 2026?? How can you post such BS!

1 minute ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

That sounds like she was issued a 10-year B1/B2 tourist/business visa. That's a non-immigrant visa and isn't affected by the new visa issuance ban.

If you are going to seek an IR-1 visa for a spouse to immigrate and get a green card, it would be subject to the ban.

Yeah, but those B1/B2 visas do require a meeting with the consular, questions, and sometimes paperwork to back up the questions/answers. I don't believe with the current situation that somebody who doesn't have all their ducks in a row should try, because a denial for any reason, doesn't help on the next try.

4 hours ago, Luuk Chaai said:

there was "0" vetting for 4 years thanks to Hunter's father and crew

Except for the 22.5% of Thais who were rejected.

1 hour ago, IsaanGuy said:

I would love to see Thai immigration to a tit for tat response. Let the yanks who thinks the sun shine out of his butt go back and find out just what a great job he’s doing in ruining their country first hand.

How many Americans are in the process of applying for an immigrant visa for Thailand?

1 minute ago, lordgrinz said:

Yeah, but those B1/B2 visas do require a meeting with the consular, questions, and sometimes paperwork to back up the questions/answers. I don't believe with the current situation that somebody who doesn't have all their ducks in a row should try, because a denial for any reason, doesn't help on the next try.

Yeah, that's true. Mrs. Shrdlu has just over two years left on her B1/B2, so we're keeping our fingers crossed that the current administration won't make things any more difficult than they already are.

2 minutes ago, John Drake said:

How many Americans are in the process of applying for an immigrant visa for Thailand?

Just now, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

Yeah, that's true. Mrs. Shrdlu has just over two years left on her B1/B2, so we're keeping our fingers crossed that the current administration won't make things any more difficult than they already are.

A renewal probably wouldn't be much of an issue, but first timers might want to make sure they know what they are doing before they step into the consular office for their first meeting.

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS WORLD

The United States has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Thailand, aiming to prevent the entry of individuals deemed likely to become a public charge. This decision, effective from January 21, results from the US State Department's reassessment of its screening and vetting procedures under current immigration law. The suspension aims to block applicants potentially dependent on public benefits in the US.

The State Department has instructed consular officers worldwide to refuse visas under existing legal provisions while conducting a comprehensive review. This pause, without a set end date, will last until the reassessment concludes. Other affected ASEAN nations include Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, alongside countries such as Russia, Somalia, and Brazil.

In November 2025, the department sent a cable to US diplomatic posts instructing stricter enforcement of the "public charge" provision in immigration law. The directive advises officers to deny visas based on factors like health, age, English proficiency, financial stability, and potential long-term medical needs. Applicants who are older, overweight, or previously relied on government cash assistance could face rejection.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott emphasised the use of long-standing authority to declare ineligible those who might face a public charge. The public charge provision, although longstanding, has seen varied enforcement across different US administrations. Exceptions to the suspension will be very limited and only granted following public charge clearance.

Looking ahead, the outcome of this review process will determine future immigration procedures and policies. The focus remains on reassessing current mechanisms to maintain stringent entry criteria, ensuring immigrant self-sufficiency and reducing public assistance reliance, reported Thai PBS WORLD.

Key Takeaways:

• US halts immigrant visa processing for 75 nations, including Thailand.

• Suspension targets applicants likely to become public charges.

• Reassessment of immigration screening to be conducted with indefinite pause.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS WORLD 2026-01-15

 

 

Trump really has lost the plot, though proving his dictator ambitions..🤔

Time to pull the rug out from under him, he's gone nuts....😬

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS WORLD

The United States has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Thailand, aiming to prevent the entry of individuals deemed likely to become a public charge. This decision, effective from January 21, results from the US State Department's reassessment of its screening and vetting procedures under current immigration law. The suspension aims to block applicants potentially dependent on public benefits in the US.

The State Department has instructed consular officers worldwide to refuse visas under existing legal provisions while conducting a comprehensive review. This pause, without a set end date, will last until the reassessment concludes. Other affected ASEAN nations include Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, alongside countries such as Russia, Somalia, and Brazil.

In November 2025, the department sent a cable to US diplomatic posts instructing stricter enforcement of the "public charge" provision in immigration law. The directive advises officers to deny visas based on factors like health, age, English proficiency, financial stability, and potential long-term medical needs. Applicants who are older, overweight, or previously relied on government cash assistance could face rejection.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott emphasised the use of long-standing authority to declare ineligible those who might face a public charge. The public charge provision, although longstanding, has seen varied enforcement across different US administrations. Exceptions to the suspension will be very limited and only granted following public charge clearance.

Looking ahead, the outcome of this review process will determine future immigration procedures and policies. The focus remains on reassessing current mechanisms to maintain stringent entry criteria, ensuring immigrant self-sufficiency and reducing public assistance reliance, reported Thai PBS WORLD.

Key Takeaways:

• US halts immigrant visa processing for 75 nations, including Thailand.

• Suspension targets applicants likely to become public charges.

• Reassessment of immigration screening to be conducted with indefinite pause.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS WORLD 2026-01-15

 

 

Tens of thousands of Issan women will be in shell shock over this news.

5 hours ago, MadAtMatrix said:

It says above for immigrant visas they have suspended processing. If you intend to take your wife to USA to immigrate, then the article explains it, it isn’t going to happen.

It mentions nothing of tourism visas.

It had usually been harder, not easier, for American Thai couple to get the Thai lady a visitor visa versus a spouse or fiance visa as trying to "game the system" to never leave once landed.

1 hour ago, Bigwave12 said:

This was on Facebook — I agree. ICE under POTUS orders Not looking for dangerous felons — they are working to fill a Quota set by Kristy Noem. So grabbing Moms and Kids and anybody they can. Maybe this is not right place to post this but sharing

Something I read online that I feel needs be said and shared. Apologize for caps

IF YOU ARE USING UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS' TAX RECORDS TO FIND AND KIDNAP THEM, THEN IT WAS NEVER ABOUT THEM PAYING TAXES

IF YOU ARE SHOWING UP AT THEIR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT. THEN IT WAS NEVER ABOUT THEM NOT WORKING

IF YOU ARE SHOWING UP AT COURTHOUSES THEN IT WAS NEVER ABOUT GETTING THEM TO "DO IT THE RIGHT WAY

IF YOU ARE KIDNAPPING CHILDREN THEN IT WAS NEVER ABOUT CRIMINALS

IF YOU'RE REFUSING TO GIVE THEM DUE PROCESS ThEN it was never aBOUt tHE CONSTITUTION.

if you're SPendING BILLIONS TO DO THIS then it was never aBout tHE ECONOMY.

ANd if YoU'rE DOING ALL THIS IN THE NAME OF A 34 TIME CONVICTED FELON. THEN IT WAS NEVER ABOUT FOLLOWING THE LAW

Correct. ICE now has a daily arrest quota of 3000 individuals. 3000! That's a lot of peope to find with either arrest warrants or probable cause. Remember, ICE needs to have one or the other to legally approach an individual. Obviously, they are having trouble meeting that huge daily number. So, doing things by the law has gone right out the window, resulting in ICE running amok, mostly unchecked.

Facebook is now filled with videos of ICE agents randomly stopping people with no warrant or probable cause and demanding they produce evidence on the spot that they are citizens. Totally illegal, folks. 4th Amendment. And, no, being non-White is not probable cause.

When you put up an impossible figure like 3000 arrests every day you are going to get the criminal abuses we are now seeing, as the agents try to make the quota, whatever way possible, legal or not. And, you're going to get tragedies like the Good murder.