Overview
The United States government has temporarily suspended the processing of green card (permanent residency), and U.S. citizenship applications for Nigerians and nationals of several other countries following an expansion of the U.S. travel ban.
This move, part of broader immigration policy changes announced by the Trump administration, has sparked international attention and concern, particularly in African and Asian nations now included on the expanded restrictions list.
What Did the US Government Do?
According to U.S. officials and multiple reports, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has been directed to suspend legal immigration benefits — including:
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Adjustment of Status applications (pathways to a green card for people already in the U.S.)
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Naturalisation (citizenship) petitions
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Other immigration-related filings filed by nationals of newly listed countries
The pause is temporary but indefinite — and it is tied to a broader immigration crackdown and national security review.
Why Was This Action Taken?
Officials say the suspension is part of an expanded travel ban and heightened vetting process prompted by national security concerns. The Biden-era policies have been replaced with stricter screening guidelines, and the expanded travel ban now impacts a larger group of countries, mostly in Africa and parts of Asia.
Full List of Affected Countries
Those whose green card and citizenship applications have been halted include nationals from countries newly added under the expanded ban:
Full Travel Ban (no entry and suspensions):
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Burkina Faso
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Mali
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Niger
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South Sudan
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Syria
Partial Restrictions (including immigration benefit suspensions):
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Angola
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Antigua and Barbuda
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Benin
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Côte d’Ivoire
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Dominica
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Gabon
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Gambia
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Malawi
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Mauritania
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Nigeria
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Senegal
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Tanzania
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Tonga
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Zambia
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Zimbabwe
These are in addition to the 19 previously restricted countries from earlier proclamations — including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, Yemen and others — whose nationals were already facing green card and citizenship application challenges under tightened vetting rules.
Who Is Affected?
The policy affects both:
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People outside the U.S. seeking immigrant visas at U.S. embassies and consulates
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Legal residents already in the U.S. trying to adjust status to permanent resident or U.S. citizenship
Even individuals already living legally in the United States — including spouses of U.S. citizens and long-term workers — are caught in the expanded pause if they were born in or are nationals of one of the listed countries.
Impacts & Reactions
On Immigrants
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Applications are not being processed or approved until further notice.
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Applicants may receive notifications of delays or administrative holds.
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Families and workers face uncertainty about their immigration futures.
Legal experts note that in some cases National Interest Waivers and other exceptions might still be possible — especially for individuals with extraordinary skills or qualifications — though these are narrow and not guaranteed.
Diplomatic & Public Feedback
African governments, diaspora groups, and rights advocates have criticised the policy as discriminatory and targeting non-Western countries, calling for clearer criteria and more transparent processes.
What This Means for Nigerians Specifically
For Nigerians — one of the largest sources of U.S. immigration applicants from Africa — this development is significant:
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Green card and naturalisation petitions are on hold.
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Nigerian nationals already in the U.S. awaiting status changes now face extended delays.
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National-level discussions between Nigeria and the U.S. may intensify as a result.
What’s Next?
U.S. authorities have not provided a clear timeline for lifting the suspension. The pause could remain in place until administrative reviews and vetting procedures are completed, which might take months or longer.
Experts recommend that affected applicants:
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Continue checking USCIS case status updates
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Consult immigration attorneys for individual guidance
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Watch for announcements from U.S. embassies and consulates