The United States has announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for Nigeria and 74 other countries, marking another major immigration restriction under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The US State Department said the decision involves a temporary pause on immigrant visas based on nationality, pending a reassessment of immigration procedures.
Officials explained that the move is aimed at preventing the entry of foreign nationals deemed likely to rely on public welfare systems.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the administration was determined to end what it described as abuse of America’s immigration system.
According to him, immigrant visa processing from the affected 75 countries would remain on hold while authorities review measures to strengthen screening and protect public resources.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt disclosed on X that the affected countries include Somalia, Russia and Iran, as well as several nations that maintain friendly diplomatic relations with the United States, such as Brazil, Egypt and Thailand.
She referenced a Fox News report outlining some of the countries involved, though the State Department initially declined to release a comprehensive list.
President Trump has consistently expressed his intention to reduce immigration from non-European countries, a stance that has drawn criticism in the past.
He has previously made controversial remarks about immigrants from parts of Africa while expressing preference for migrants from Scandinavian countries.
The State Department also revealed that more than 100,000 visas have been revoked since Trump’s return to office, the highest figure recorded within a year.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security reported that over 605,000 people have been deported, with an additional 2.5 million leaving the country voluntarily.
Officials clarified that the suspension does not affect non-immigrant visas, including tourist, business and sports-related visas. However, the administration said it would intensify social media vetting for all visa applicants.
Nigeria is among the 75 countries affected by the suspension, alongside nations across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America.
