The US government has blocked immigrant visa processing for Nigerians, the latest in a string of travel restrictions aimed at the country.
This means that Nigerians who want to travel to the United States would be unable to file or process immigration visa applications for the time being.
The suspension also affects Russia, Somalia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and a number of other countries.
According to Fox News, a document from the US State Department confirms that the directive applies to applicants from 75 nations in total.
The rule, published in November, aims to tighten regulations on potential immigrants who the administration believes are likely to become “public charges” in the US.
A State Department spokesperson, Tommy Piggott, said:
“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge in the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.
Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”
The visa processing suspension will take effect on January 21.
In addition, the US recently implemented a policy requiring Nigerians applicants for B1/B2 visas to post bonds of up to $15,000, which would go into effect on the same date.
Last month, the US restricted Nigerians from entering as green card holders or on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.
The administration cited high visa overstay rates and security concerns as reasons for the restrictions.
These sanctions are part of a larger agenda that includes partial and whole travel bans for various African, Latin American, and Asian countries.
The new suspension illustrates the increasing difficulty Nigerians face in obtaining US visas, as the administration tightens immigration procedures.
Affected applicants should keep an eye out for information from the US State Department as the implementation date approaches on January 21, 2025.
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