The United States government has suspended immigrant visa processing for Nigerians, marking the latest development in a series of immigration and travel restrictions targeting the country.
The new directive means that Nigerians hoping to migrate legally to the United States will temporarily be unable to submit or complete immigrant visa applications, creating uncertainty for thousands of prospective travelers.
The suspension is not limited to Nigeria alone, as it also affects applicants from countries including Russia, Somalia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and several others.
According to Fox News, a memo issued by the US State Department revealed that the order impacts applicants from a total of 75 countries worldwide.
The directive, which was issued in November, is part of a broader effort by the US administration to tighten immigration rules, particularly targeting individuals deemed likely to become “public charges” after entering the country.
A State Department spokesperson, Tommy Piggott, explained the rationale behind the decision, emphasizing the government’s long-standing authority to regulate immigration eligibility.
“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge in the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.
Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”
The visa processing suspension is scheduled to officially take effect on 21 January, giving affected applicants limited time to seek clarification or alternative options.
In addition to the suspension, the US recently introduced a new policy requiring Nigerians applying for B1/B2 visitor visas to post bonds of up to $15,000, a move that has drawn widespread concern.
This bond requirement is also expected to take effect on the same date, further complicating travel plans for Nigerians seeking short-term visits to the United States.
Last month, the US government also barred entry for Nigerians seeking to enter the country as green card holders or on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.
Officials cited high rates of visa overstays and national security concerns as key reasons for imposing the restrictions.
These measures form part of a broader immigration policy that includes partial and full travel bans on several African, Latin American, and Asian countries.
The latest suspension highlights the growing challenges Nigerians face in securing US visas, as immigration regulations continue to tighten under the current administration.
Affected applicants have been advised to closely monitor updates from the US State Department ahead of the 21 January implementation date for further guidance.