US Expands Travel Restrictions, Suspends Green Card and Citizenship Applications for Nigerians

The United States government has expanded its travel restrictions on Nigeria, suspending the processing of legal immigration applications, including green cards, naturalisation, and other permanent residency pathways.

The development means that Nigerians are no longer able to submit or have applications for permanent residency and citizenship processed under the affected immigration programmes.

According to a report by CBS News, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services is implementing the suspension in line with a recent proclamation issued by President Donald Trump. The proclamation had earlier imposed partial travel restrictions on several developing countries, including Nigeria.

Under the initial measures, entry into the United States was restricted for nationals applying for B1, B2, B1 B2, F, M, and J visa categories. However, the latest directive goes further by halting access to long term immigration benefits, including permanent residency and naturalisation.

A USCIS official was quoted as saying that the agency is conducting a comprehensive review of individuals from affected countries who may pose a threat to the United States, in line with the President’s latest proclamation.

The suspension also affects several other countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

US authorities stated that the decision was taken based on national security considerations. According to the US government, a general lack of stability and government control in the affected countries makes it difficult to properly vet applicants or accurately assess potential security risks.

A US official said the restrictions are necessary to ensure the safety of the American people and to protect the integrity of the country’s immigration system.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government has not issued an official response to the expanded restrictions. However, Nigerian authorities have previously expressed willingness to work with the United States to address concerns related to immigration procedures and security cooperation.

The new policy is expected to significantly affect thousands of Nigerians seeking permanent residency, citizenship, or long term legal status in the United States.