The United States government has stopped new green card and citizenship applications from Nigerians and nationals of several other countries after expanding its travel ban policy this week. The decision was announced in December 2025 and affects people already living in the US who are seeking permanent residency, citizenship, or a change in immigration status.
The action was taken by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services following a directive from the administration of President Donald Trump. The suspension applies to nationals of countries newly added to the travel ban, as well as those listed earlier under the policy. The measure affects immigrants from parts of Africa and Asia and is part of a broader tightening of legal immigration rules.
Reports indicate that the pause includes applications for permanent residence, naturalisation, and other immigration benefits. It also affects asylum decisions handled by USCIS, alongside visa and immigration processing for Afghan nationals. The move follows security concerns raised after a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., which authorities linked to a foreign national.
Countries facing a full ban under the latest expansion include Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria. Partial restrictions now apply to several others, including Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. These nations join a previous list that already included Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and others.
US officials say the policy is meant to strengthen national security and improve vetting processes for immigrants from affected countries. The travel restrictions now cover more than half of African countries and about one-fifth of nations worldwide.
The decision has drawn criticism in Nigeria, where many citizens describe it as unfair and damaging. Analysts warn it could strain diplomatic relations and affect economic ties. Former lawmaker Shehu Sani described the move as a signal that migrants from poorer countries are increasingly being shut out of the US immigration system.
The suspension remains in force, with no clear timeline for when applications from the affected countries will resume.
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