What Trump’s visa pause means for Southeast Asia and US regional priorities

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AdvertisementAseanThis Week in AsiaPoliticsWhat Trump’s visa pause means for Southeast Asia and US regional priorities

The move reflects an ‘America first’ policy approach and treats certain allies in the region as ‘strategically insignificant’, analysts say

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Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand are among countries affected by the United States’ 75-country visa suspension. Photo: TNS

Sam BeltranThe inclusion of four Southeast Asian nations in the United States’ 75-country visa suspension has thrown up questions over Washington’s foreign policy approach, including its interest in the region.

Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand are among countries affected by the indefinite suspension, set to take effect on January 21, as the Donald Trump administration continues to roll out punitive measures to drastically restrict immigration.

The list, released by the US Department of State on Wednesday, is targeted at countries embroiled in conflict, but also extends to long-standing American allies and others with a long history of relations with Washington.

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The four Southeast Asian nations are among 13 Asia-Pacific countries hit by the restrictions, aimed at preventing “the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits”.

People eat next to street food stalls in Sihanoukville on Thursday. Cambodia is among four Southeast Asian nations on the recent US visa suspension list. Photo: AFP
People eat next to street food stalls in Sihanoukville on Thursday. Cambodia is among four Southeast Asian nations on the recent US visa suspension list. Photo: AFP

Fox News reported that a US State Department memo had instructed consular officers to refuse visa applications under existing laws until the department reviewed and updated its screening procedures.

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