Trump Administration Halves Legal Immigration Visas in 2026

The Trump administration reduced the inflow of legalized migrants by approximately 50% in 2026 through new regulations implemented by presidential deputies. Data indicates the United States Department of State issued only 26,000 immigrant visas in February, a sharp decline from the pre-Trump monthly average of 52,000.

These measures have made immigration nearly impossible for citizens of 91 countries and reduced available visas for another 61. Immigration from Muslim-majority countries has dropped by over 90%. Parallel to these legal restrictions, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has deported roughly 3 million undocumented immigrants since January 2025.

Vice President JD Vance defended the cuts as necessary for middle-class prosperity and social cohesion. Conversely, business groups and progressives have filed lawsuits to revive legal migration, arguing that the policies harm the economy. Critics, including advocate David Bier, noted that the administration has cut every type of legal immigration, including visas for spouses, minor children, and parents of U.S. citizens.