One of the topics of discussion on the show "Opinion” in TV Klan Tonight is the latest decision by the State Department, according to which, starting January 21, the issuance of all immigrant visas will be suspended for applicants who are citizens of 75 countries, including Albania, as well as 4 other Western Balkan countries.
In a call from the United States, immigration lawyer and expert Olsa Alikaj Cano spoke about the issue, explaining what types of visas this block applies to. The lawyer explained that the decision to suspend only affects applications for immigrant visas, i.e. for permanent residence in the US, and not those for temporary residence, such as tourist visas.
Excerpts from the studio conversation:
Blendi Fevziu: This decision doesn't affect any of the visitor visas, does it?
Olsa Alikaj Cano: You are very right. The US State Department statement only talks about immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas are not just tourist visas, there are religious visas, artist visas, diplomat visas, visitor visas, it's a long list, there are many non-immigrant visas. They are eligible to apply for visas, these interviews will continue.
Blendi Fevziu: Excuse me, including student visas?
Olsa Alikaj Cano: Student visas are non-immigrant visas, so they are valid. Any visa that is for a short period of time, so it is temporary, just to come, finish work and return. There are some work visas, of course, it is a short period to come, work a little and return.
Blendi Fevziu: Which applications are suspended?
Olsa Alikaj Cano: The applications that are suspended are applications for the purpose of immigration, all Albanians know. They are visas for family reunification. These are the visas that are being blocked. Applications of American citizens for their family members, for spouses, brothers, sisters, parents, children. These are the main ones. The part of the American Lottery, so the purpose of getting a Green Card, to live full-time in the USA, forever. There are some worker visas, sponsored by employers, for people or individuals with higher education. There are some religious visas that are special, special visas. These are the visas that are suspended for the moment.
Blendi Fevziu: Do you know how long the suspension will last?
Olsa Alikaj Cano: We have no information about this suspension. This government is very efficient, I believe they will make decisions quickly and verify the data quickly.
Blendi Fevziu: Is there a criterion as to why Albania and Kosovo are on this list and Serbia and other countries are not? So what was the criterion that was used to include these 75 countries on the list?
Olsa Alikaj Cano: According to the data we have, the list of 75 countries is the list of high-risk countries, meaning that the citizens of these countries come to the US, 'abuse' them, let's say, and that they are a public financial burden on the US. I believe it has something to do with President Donald Trump's post on January 4th, a list of 120 countries whose citizens receive financial/social assistance in the US. Albanians were over 45%. Maybe the countries that have received social/public assistance are a financial risk for those who pay taxes in the US. Maybe that's it.
Blendi Fevziu: There are many Albanians who come with regular visas and then seek to obtain a Green Card through legal procedures.
Olsa Alikaj Cano: Full, even today I had a client who was very interested in the family. We have many visas waiting to be interviewed. Everyone is alarmed. Most Albanians come here with visas, so I was surprised by our president's list. I don't know where they got this list, because the list of people receiving social assistance is not verified.
