The latest immigration decision by President Donald Trump's administration is a devastating blow, particularly for Chad, whose diplomatic efforts have been thwarted by a unilateral reversal from Washington. The lesson, already learned, is stark: American commitments can be revised at any time.

The Massive Suspension That Breaks the Agreements

Following a deadly shooting in Washington involving an Afghan national, the United States has decided to drastically tighten its immigration policy. The processing of all immigration applications —including green cards and citizenship—is suspended for nationals of 19 countries.

Chad finds itself, once again, on this updated list, alongside, among others, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Iran, and Sudan. While these countries have already been subject to entry restrictions since June 2025, the new measure now affects individuals who were legally pursuing permanent residency or citizenship, destroying long-term life and career plans.

Chadian Diplomacy Reduced to Nothing

This reversal is all the more abrupt as it comes after a period of appeasement. Last summer, Chad had already expressed its firm dissatisfaction with the initial restrictions by suspending the issuance of visas to American citizens — a symmetrical measure that had created strong bilateral tensions.

However, complex negotiations had taken place, and Washington had ultimately deemed Chad's security measures satisfactory , recently resolving the visa dispute. This resolution was hailed as a diplomatic victory , opening legal avenues for the academic and professional mobility of Chadian citizens.

The current announcement negates this achievement. It demonstrates that bilateral agreements are useless and ephemeral in the face of the immediate pressure of the domestic political situation in the United States. An incident involving a national of another country was enough to relegate Chad to the list of "undesirable" states, without distinction.

A Climate of Uncertainty and Mistrust

The United States' reliability as a partner is severely compromised. This latest unilateral suspension leaves hundreds of legitimate applicants in limbo, for whom a U.S. visa represented the culmination of years of rule-abiding efforts.

1. Collective Sanction: The decision affects the entire country without regard to individual distinctions.
2. Undermining Trust: It undermines faith in American institutions and in the value of respecting established procedures.
3. Risk of Illegality: Experts believe that blocking the legal route, used by many educated Chadian citizens, could paradoxically push some towards illegal routes.

In conclusion, this latest suspension of migration programs is more than just a technical measure. It is a powerful political signal that underscores the shifting and often biased nature of US foreign and migration policy. For Chad and other partners, this raises a fundamental question: what is the true cost of the alliance with Washington? Their citizens are forced, once again, to reconsider their life strategies and their routes to the West.