Minsk has announced that it will no longer issue passports to citizens permanently residing abroad in a move considered as a blow to the Belarusian emigrant communities.

By Associated Press

An estimated 200-300,000 Belarusians have left the country in the last three years since massive protests against an election that returned President Alexander Lukashenko to office led to a harsh crackdown on the political opposition.

By Associated Press

The restrictions apply to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which allows passport holders from 40 countries to enter the United States for business or tourism without a visa for up to 90 days.

By Bela Szandelszky, Associated Press

With family dreams and big money on the line, passport seekers describe a slow-motion agony of waiting, worrying, holding the line, refreshing the screen, complaining to Congress, paying extra fees and following incorrect directions.

By Laurie Kellman, Rebecca Santana, David Koenig, Associated Press