The United States government has suspended the processing of green card and citizenship applications from Nigerians and nationals of several other countries newly included in an expanded US travel restriction policy, according to a report by CBS News.
A US government official disclosed that the directive was issued by the Trump administration to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of a broader national security review. The suspension affects applicants from countries added to the latest version of the US “travel ban,” pending the completion of enhanced screening and vetting procedures.
Background to the Decision
The move follows a presidential proclamation signed on Tuesday by President Donald Trump, which further tightened entry conditions for countries the administration considers high-risk. The proclamation cited “persistent and severe deficiencies” in screening systems, identity verification, and information-sharing practices that, according to US authorities, pose risks to national security and public safety.
Nigeria is among 15 countries newly placed under partial travel restrictions, triggering the suspension of certain immigration benefits, including permanent residency (green card) and naturalization (citizenship) applications.
Earlier, on October 31, President Trump had designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” referencing allegations of widespread violence against Christians, a claim that has drawn international attention and debate.
What the Suspension Means
• USCIS will pause the acceptance and processing of green card and citizenship applications from affected countries.
• The measure applies to both new filings and, in some cases, pending applications.
• The suspension is tied to an ongoing review and may be adjusted depending on the outcome of the vetting assessment.
Countries Affected by the Latest Measures
Countries Under Full Travel Ban
• Burkina Faso
• Mali
• Niger
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Laos
• Sierra Leone
Countries Under Partial Travel Restrictions
• Angola
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Benin
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Dominica
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Malawi
• Mauritania
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
Countries Previously Affected by Similar Restrictions
• Afghanistan
• Burundi
• Chad
• Cuba
• Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Libya
• Myanmar
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Togo
• Turkmenistan
• Yemen
• Venezuela
Expansion of Earlier Policies
The latest action builds on immigration restrictions announced in June, which imposed partial limitations on several countries. Under the new proclamation, Laos and Sierra Leone, previously subject to partial measures, were upgraded to a full entry ban. As a result, USCIS extended the freeze on immigration-related petitions for nationals of those countries.
US officials say the policy will remain under review, while advocacy groups and affected communities continue to monitor its humanitarian and diplomatic implications.
Source: Africa Publicity
