Are Thais with US Visas "a Burden on American Tax Payers"?

The speaker, an American attorney in Bangkok, discusses the recent US Department of State's pause on immigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries, including Thailand, effective January 21, 2026. This policy was highlighted in a Khaosod English article titled "US pauses immigrant visas for Thais 74 other countries." The pause specifically targets countries whose immigrants reportedly have a high rate of collecting public assistance at the expense of US taxpayers. While applications and interviews can still proceed, no visas will be issued during this pause, with exceptions for dual nationals from non-listed countries, children adopted by American families, and certain national interest exceptions under presidential proclamation 10998. This measure is part of a broader review to prevent immigrants from "high-risk" countries from unlawfully relying on US welfare programs or becoming a public charge. The policy aligns with former President Donald Trump's emphasis on immigrant financial self-sufficiency. The speaker notes that he had observed delays in scheduling visa interviews as early as December, with no dates available until April, which signaled that a policy change was imminent. He questions the premise that Thais disproportionately burden American taxpayers, based on his nearly 20 years of processing hundreds of US immigration cases, including K1, IR1, CR1, and K3 visas. He states that he has never observed Thais showing a particular interest in becoming a public charge in the United States. He suggests that this policy might stem from a general American policymaking paradigm that assumes everyone seeks to enter the US for welfare benefits. However, he argues that Thailand does not fit this stereotype. Statistics indicate a relatively low number of Thais attempting to immigrate to the US compared to other nationalities, as Thais generally prefer to remain in Thailand. The speaker also notes that in his experience with employment-based visas like E2 and L1, he has not encountered individuals solely seeking to exploit the US taxpayer. Furthermore, the speaker highlights Thailand's historical relationship with the United States, as America's oldest continuous ally in Asia, with a treaty relationship spanning almost 200 years. Thais grant Americans significant benefits under the US-Thai Treaty of Amity, including national treatment for businesses and the ability to own companies outright. Given this strong relationship, the speaker questions the overall wisdom of the new policy. He finds the notion that Thais specifically migrate to the US to become a public charge to be "spurious," as his professional experience indicates that Thais seek legitimate entry for legal purposes. Often, fiances or spouses move to the US to be with American partners, and many eventually return to Thailand to retire, suggesting they are not a long-term public charge. The speaker concludes by stating that this policy is in effect and he will continue to update viewers on any developments.