Bangladesh is facing a growing image crisis internationally over immigration issues after the United States suspended immigrant visas for Bangladeshi nationals, dealing a major blow to prospective migrants and prompting Dhaka to consider diplomatic and policy responses.
The suspension comes just a week after Washington imposed visa bonds. According to a statement from the US State Department, the issuance of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries — including Bangladesh, Russia, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal — will be suspended indefinitely from January 21.
Instructions sent to US embassies and consulates authorise visa officers to reject applications if they believe an applicant may become dependent on government welfare or public assistance, including food stamps, housing or medical care.
As a result, the hopes of at least 180,000 prospective migrants from the affected countries to settle in the United States have been thrown into uncertainty. Human rights organisations have condemned the move, while some US politicians have criticised what they describe as the collective punishment of entire populations for the actions of a few.
Bangladeshi-American attorney Moin Choudhury, director of the American International Bar Association and a grassroots organiser for the Democratic Party, strongly criticised the Trump administration’s decision.
“The ethics and morality of the United States are being questioned through these recent steps,” Moin said. “The dreams of people whose blood, sweat and talent have helped make the United States one of the world’s leading countries are being shattered. This is an inhumane decision.” He added that organisations working for immigrant rights may pursue legal challenges against the order.
Officials at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the issue is being closely monitored and that inquiries have been made through the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington. Bangladesh’s next course of action will be decided after receiving a detailed report and an official explanation from US authorities. Diplomatic engagement between the two sides remains ongoing.
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan told reporters at the Secretariat that the United States had cited specific reasons for suspending immigrant visas.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Adviser and other relevant stakeholders will formulate a strategy on this issue,” she said. “If necessary, the United States will be engaged diplomatically.”
She added that Bangladesh was not being singled out.
“The United States has taken this decision targeting countries from which large numbers of immigrants or asylum seekers originate, or where migrants tend to rely on social services,” Hasan said. “This is a policy decision of the US government. Now we must assess where we face difficulties and determine how to respond.”
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
