The United States government has implemented a suspension on legal immigration applications from nationals of Nigeria and several other countries. This action follows an expansion of the existing travel ban proclamation. The suspension primarily affects individuals seeking permanent residency (green cards), US citizenship, and those attempting to adjust their immigration status from within the United States.

According to official directives, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been instructed to halt the processing of all immigration petitions,including applications for citizenship and permanent residency,filed by nationals of countries newly added to the travel ban list. This measure is part of a broader policy trend toward increased restrictions on legal immigration.

The latest expansion of the travel ban, announced by the Trump administration, adds 20 countries to the list. Five countries,Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria,are subject to a full ban, which suspends virtually all immigration and travel from these nations to the US. The remaining 15 countries, including Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, face partial restrictions. These partial bans typically affect specific visa categories or types of immigrants, but the new USCIS directive extends the suspension to a wider range of immigration benefits.

Prior to this expansion, the travel ban and related immigration suspensions applied to nationals of Afghanistan, Burundi, Chad, Cuba, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Laos, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Yemen, and Venezuela. With the latest changes, the list now covers over 60% of African countries and approximately 20% of all countries globally.

US officials have stated that the expansion of the travel ban and the suspension of immigration processing are based on national security considerations. The stated rationale is concern over the ability to adequately vet applicants from the affected countries. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow has indicated that the agency is conducting a comprehensive review of applicants who may pose a threat to the US, referencing the President’s proclamation as part of efforts to enforce immigration law.

The policy change follows a security incident involving an Afghan national, which the administration has cited as a motivating factor for the new restrictions. In addition to the travel ban expansion, the administration has suspended all decisions on asylum cases handled by USCIS and halted the processing of immigration and visa requests from Afghans.

The suspension has significant effects on legal immigrants already residing in the United States, many of whom now have pending applications for citizenship or permanent residency. The policy also impacts employers and educational institutions that depend on international talent.

In Nigeria, the decision has generated criticism and concern. Some Nigerian officials and commentators have questioned the justification for the restrictions and highlighted potential negative consequences for diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and the United States.

Some public figures, including former Nigerian senator Shehu Sani, have characterized the policy as a signal that migrants from developing countries are less welcome. Critics have warned that the travel ban and suspension of legal immigration pathways could affect the US’s reputation as a destination for opportunity and diversity.

Diplomatic sources and immigration advocates have called for a review of the policy, citing potential implications for international relations, economic cooperation, and the status of affected individuals. The suspension remains in effect pending further developments.