THIS DAWN — The United States government has announced a sweeping temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of Nigeria and 74 other countries, effective January 21, 2026.
The decision is part of a broader immigration policy shift under President Donald Trump’s administration.
It’s reportedly aimed at tightening screening procedures and limiting the entry of foreign nationals deemed likely to rely on government benefits.
The United States has employed immigration controls for decades, including provisions that allow visa refusals when applicants may become a “public charge”—that is, individuals likely to depend on public welfare programs.
The latest policy expands this approach into a blanket suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries.
It encompasses nations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
State Department officials describe the step as a reassessment of visa screening procedures, focusing on ensuring that new legal immigrants will not exploit U.S. public benefit programs.
The indefinite pause will remain until the review is completed.
Scope of the Suspension
According to the U.S. State Department and multiple news reports, the pause applies specifically to immigrant visas—those associated with permanent residency or green cards.
Processing for non-immigrant visas (such as tourist, business, student, or temporary work visas) is generally not included in this suspension, although applicants in all visa categories are likely to face more rigorous scrutiny.
The suspension affects nationals of 75 countries, including some of the largest populations that seek immigration pathways to the United States.
Among the countries on the list are Nigeria, Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Thailand, and Yemen.
Consular officers worldwide have been instructed to refuse new immigrant visa applications under existing immigration law while the vetting and screening framework is reassessed.
The suspension is reported to be effective indefinitely, pending a complete review of policy and procedures.
Rationale Provided by U.S. Authorities
U.S. officials say the move is rooted in the administration’s broad immigration policy agenda, particularly concerning individuals deemed likely to need public support after entry.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott has stated that the suspension reflects the government’s use of longstanding legal authority to prevent the admission of foreign nationals who might become dependent on U.S. welfare and benefit programs.
According to this rationale, the pause is intended to protect American public resources and taxpayers by tightening eligibility standards.
Part of the administration’s emphasis has been on recent high-profile cases involving alleged exploitation of welfare systems.
This includes the controversy surrounding benefits fraud by some migrant groups in Minnesota, which has been cited by some U.S. commentators and officials.
Implications for Nigeria and Affected Countries
For Nigerians and citizens of the other affected countries, the suspension means that immigrant visa applications will not be processed at U.S. consulates starting January 21.
Applicants who already hold valid visas are generally not affected, but new applications for permanent residency routes will be refused until the pause is lifted.
Legal experts note that the policy does not equate to an outright ban on all travel to the United States.
Rather, it targets the immigrant visa stream, which includes pathways to lawful permanent residence.
Temporary travel for tourism, business, and some work or study purposes remains possible under the current framework, though with heightened scrutiny and vetting.
Nonetheless, the suspension is expected to disrupt immigration plans for many individuals and families and could have diplomatic repercussions, given the broad range of countries involved.
International and Regional Reaction
Reactions from global leaders, civil society organizations, and immigrant advocacy groups have begun to emerge.
Critics have described the move as overly broad and potentially discriminatory.
They argue that it undermines longstanding diplomatic relationships and imposes undue hardship on aspiring migrants who pose no security risk or burden.
Others contend that the policy will delay family reunifications and long-term contributions to host communities.
For nations like Nigeria, which have significant diaspora populations in the United States and strong bilateral ties, the suspension raises concerns about long-term engagement, remittances, and people-to-people connections.
As of mid-January 2026, no formal end date has been announced for the visa suspension.
The U.S. State Department has signaled that the pause will last until its screening and vetting procedures are fully reassessed, but it has not provided a timeline.
Prospective applicants from Nigeria and other affected countries are advised to monitor updates from U.S. Embassy and State Department channels for further guidance on when visa processing may resume and what documentation or criteria may be required under the revised framework.
