The "America First" doctrine has landed with a thud in East Africa. The Trump administration has indefinitely paused immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Uganda, in a dramatic escalation of his immigration crackdown.

The White House cites "security concerns" and "high rates of visa overstays" as the justification for the freeze. For Ugandans, the timing is particularly stinging, coming amidst a tense election and strained relations over the country’s anti-homosexuality laws. The ban effectively shuts the door on thousands of Ugandans seeking to reunite with families or work in the United States.

"A Diplomatic Slap"

The move is seen as a diplomatic slap in the face. While Kenya has so far escaped the list—likely due to its strategic security partnership—Uganda’s inclusion signals Washington’s growing impatience with Kampala. "It is collective punishment," said a Ugandan diplomat in Washington. "You cannot punish a student or a grandmother because of politics."

The pause affects "immigrant visas," which lead to Green Cards, rather than temporary tourist or student visas. However, experts warn that scrutiny for all visa categories will likely tighten. The Department of Homeland Security has indicated that the list will be reviewed quarterly, holding the resumption of services as a carrot for countries that cooperate on deportations.

• The Trump Effect: This is the most expansive visa restriction since Trump’s first term "Muslim Ban." It reflects a renewed commitment to reducing legal immigration pathways, a key campaign promise.
• Panic in the Diaspora: The Ugandan diaspora in the US is reeling. Many were in the final stages of sponsoring relatives. "My mother’s interview was next month," shared a nurse in Boston. "Now, everything is frozen. We don't know if we will ever see them."

Regional Ripple

While Nairobi breathes a sigh of relief, there is anxiety that the list could expand. The unpredictability of Trump’s foreign policy means no African nation is safe. For now, the message from Washington to the Global South is blunt: The door is closed, and we have lost the key.