The United States has suspended the processing of immigrant visas for Nigerians, placing Africa’s most populous nation among 75 countries affected by a sweeping new immigration action announced by the administration of President Donald Trump.
The decision pauses immigrant visa processing for Nigerian applicants while U.S. authorities review immigration screening procedures, according to the State Department. Officials said the move is aimed at preventing the entry of foreign nationals who may rely on public welfare and benefits.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the suspension was issued under existing immigration authority and applies collectively to countries selected by nationality. He described the policy as part of a broader effort to curb what the administration calls abuse of the U.S. immigration system.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Nigeria is included among the affected countries, alongside several African, Asian, European and Caribbean nations. She said the review would allow U.S. officials to reassess current vetting standards and strengthen enforcement.
The suspension applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect non immigrant categories such as tourist, business, student or short term travel visas. U.S. officials also said the policy would not restrict travel by football fans planning to attend this year’s World Cup, though applicants will continue to face enhanced screening, including social media checks.
The State Department has not released a detailed timeline for when immigrant visa processing for Nigerians may resume. It also did not publish an official breakdown explaining why specific countries were selected.
Trump has repeatedly expressed opposition to immigration from non European countries and has made stricter border enforcement a core part of his policy agenda since returning to office. His administration says it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since then, describing it as a record figure for a single year.
The Department of Homeland Security said last month that more than 605,000 people have been deported under the current administration, while millions of others left the United States voluntarily.
