The United States government has announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for Nigeria and 74 other countries, marking a major shift in immigration policy under President Donald Trump.
The State Department said the decision is aimed at preventing what it described as abuse of the US immigration system, particularly by applicants who may become dependent on government welfare. The suspension affects only immigrant visas and does not apply to tourist, business, or other non-immigrant categories.
Speaking on Wednesday, State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the measure was taken under existing legal authority that allows the US to deny entry to individuals deemed likely to rely on public assistance.
According to Pigott, immigrant visa processing from the affected countries will remain on hold while US authorities reassess screening procedures to curb the entry of foreign nationals who may depend on welfare or public benefits.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the suspension covers 75 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. She noted that the list includes Somalia, Russia, and Iran, as well as countries with traditionally friendly ties to the United States such as Brazil, Egypt, and Thailand.
Although the State Department has not formally published the list, officials confirmed that Nigeria is among the affected nations.
The latest development follows a broader crackdown on immigration since President Trump’s return to office. The State Department disclosed earlier this week that over 100,000 visas have been revoked within a year — the highest figure recorded during his administration.
In addition, the Department of Homeland Security revealed that more than 605,000 people have been deported, while an estimated 2.5 million others left the country voluntarily.
Despite the new restrictions, the US government clarified that the suspension will not affect visas issued for tourism, business, or major sporting events, including entry for fans attending this year’s World Cup. However, authorities reiterated that all applicants will continue to undergo enhanced screening, including reviews of social media activity.
The policy has already sparked debate internationally, particularly in countries with large numbers of citizens seeking permanent residence in the United States.
US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for Nigeria, 74 Other Countries Under New Trump Policy
