The United States has suspended immigrant visa processing for Nigeria and 74 other countries, a sweeping move by President Donald Trump’s administration that has sparked concern among Nigerians at home and abroad.
The suspension, announced by the State Department, does not affect tourist, business, or other visas, but it underscores Washington’s tougher stance on immigration.
On Wednesday, the US State Department confirmed that immigrant visa processing for Nigeria and 74 other countries would be paused. Officials said the measure was necessary to reassess immigration procedures and prevent the entry of foreign nationals “who would take welfare and public benefits.”
“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott declared.
“Immigrant visa processing 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,” Pigott added.
READ ALSO: US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing For Nigeria, 74 Other Countries
White House Reaction
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt amplified the announcement on X, naming Somalia, Russia, and Iran among the affected countries. She also linked to a Fox News report that listed Brazil, Egypt, and Thailand—nations with traditionally friendly ties to Washington—as part of the suspension list.
Nigeria’s Response
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has urged Nigerians to strictly comply with US visa conditions to avoid expanded restrictions. In an advisory, NIS spokesperson Akinsola Akinlabi warned that misuse of visas could worsen Nigeria’s standing with US authorities.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to inform the general public of concerns raised by the United States Government regarding the misuse of US visas by Nigerians. All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications,” Akinlabi said.
The suspension comes amid a broader crackdown. The State Department revealed that more than 100,000 visas have been revoked in the past year, a record figure. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security reported that over 605,000 people have been deported, with another 2.5 million leaving voluntarily.
Implications for Nigerians
Nigerian students—who make up a significant portion of international enrolments in US universities—have already been affected by earlier restrictions, including a pause on student visa processing in 2025. But for many Nigerians, the suspension is a blow to long‑term migration plans.
The popular “Japa” trend—young professionals leaving Nigeria for better opportunities abroad—has already been complicated by tighter US visa rules. With immigrant visas now suspended, families hoping to reunite in America face renewed uncertainty.
While the Trump administration insists the suspension is about protecting US taxpayers, critics argue it disproportionately targets non‑European countries. For Nigeria, the move is another reminder of the fragile balance in its diplomatic relationship with Washington.
FULL LIST
Below is the full list of countries affected by the latest US government move:
1. Afghanistan
2. Albania
3. Algeria
4. Antigua and Barbuda
5. Armenia
6. Azerbaijan
7. Bahamas
8. Bangladesh
9. Barbados
10. Belarus
11. Belize
12. Bhutan
13. Bosnia
14. Brazil
15. Burma
16. Cambodia
17. Cameroon
18. Cape Verde
19. Colombia
20. Cote d’Ivoire
21. Cuba
22. Democratic Republic of the Congo
23. Dominica
24. Egypt
25. Eritrea
26. Ethiopia
27. Fiji
28. Gambia
29. Georgia
30. Ghana
31. Grenada
32. Guatemala
33. Guinea
34. Haiti
35. Iran
36. Iraq
37. Jamaica
38. Jordan
39. Kazakhstan
40. Kosovo
41. Kuwait
42. Kyrgyzstan
43. Laos
44. Lebanon
45. Liberia
46. Libya
47. Macedonia
48. Moldova
49. Mongolia
50. Montenegro
51. Morocco
52. Nepal
53. Nicaragua
54. Nigeria
55. Pakistan
56. Republic of the Congo
57. Russia
58. Rwanda
59. Saint Kitts and Nevis
60. Saint Lucia
61. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
62. Senegal
63. Sierra Leone
64. Somalia
65. South Sudan
66. Sudan
67. Syria
68. Tanzania
69. Thailand
70. Togo
71. Tunisia
72. Uganda
73. Uruguay
74. Uzbekistan
75. Yemen
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