The United States has suspended immigrant visa processing for Nigerians.The decision, which takes effect on January 21, marks a fresh tightening of U.S. immigration rules and places Nigeria among dozens of affected countries.
Under the new directive, Nigerians will temporarily be unable to submit or complete immigrant visa applications.
However, the suspension was not limited to Nigeria alone. It also affects applicants from Russia, Somalia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and several other nations, highlighting the broad scope of the action.
According to a report by Fox News, a memo from the U.S. State Department shows that the order applies to applicants from 75 countries.
The directive, issued in November, was designed to strengthen checks on immigrants the administration believes may become “public charges” in the United States.
Reacting to the development, a State Department spokesperson, Tommy Piggott, explained the government’s position.
“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,” he said.
He added, “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.”
Moreover, this suspension comes alongside other recent restrictions targeting Nigerian travelers.
In addition, the U.S. has introduced a policy requiring Nigerians applying for B1/B2 visas to post bonds of up to $15,000.
This measure is also scheduled to begin on January 21, further raising barriers for short-term visitors.
Meanwhile, last month, the U.S. barred entry for Nigerians seeking admission as green card holders or on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.
Officials cited high visa overstay rates and security concerns as key reasons behind these actions.
These steps are part of a wider immigration approach that includes partial and full travel bans on several African, Latin American, and Asian countries.
Therefore, the US visa suspension for Nigerians underscores the growing difficulty many face when seeking lawful entry into the country.
