The United States has put a hold on immigrant visa processing for Nigeria and 74 other countries, as it reviews its screening procedures associated with the 'public charge' rule.
The U.S. Department of State has declared an indefinite halt to processing visas for individuals from 75 different countries, including Nigeria, as part of a more extensive tightening of immigration screening protocols.
An internal memo from the State Department, which was accessed by media outlets, states that this policy will commence on January 21, 2026, and mandates U.S. embassies and consulates globally to cease issuing visas to applicants from the impacted nations, pending a thorough review of the screening and vetting procedures.
The new directives instruct consular officials to strictly enforce existing U.S. immigration regulations, particularly those linked to the 'public charge' rule, which permits visa denials if an applicant is deemed likely to rely on public welfare in the U.S.
To assess eligibility, various factors will be considered, including the applicant's health, age, financial status, English proficiency, job availability, and potential requirements for long-term medical or social services.
Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the State Department, indicated that this policy is consistent with the longstanding legal authority granted by U.S. immigration law.
“The State Department will exercise its longstanding authority to classify potential immigrants as ineligible if it anticipates they might become a public charge in the United States,” Pigott remarked.
Although the suspension primarily targets immigrant visas, which grant permanent residency, there are indications that many visa types may be affected as the review process continues.
The affected countries encompass regions across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. Apart from Nigeria, the list reportedly includes Somalia, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Thailand, and Yemen, among others.
This situation arises amidst heated political discussions regarding immigration in the United States and follows prior executive actions aimed at tightening entry procedures and enhancing national security screenings.
Critics of the suspension warn that it may disrupt families, educational opportunities abroad, and workforce configurations, whereas proponents argue that it is essential to alleviate pressure on U.S. public services.
At the time of this report, the State Department had not released a formal public list detailing all the affected nations, and the length of the suspension will depend on the findings of the ongoing review.
Michael Olugbode, Abuja
The United States Department of State has announced an indefinite suspension of visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Nigeria, as part of a broader tightening of immigration screening measures.
According to an internal State Department memo obtained by news organizations, the policy will be implemented on January 21, 2026, directing U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to halt the issuance of visas to applicants from the affected countries while a comprehensive review of screening and vetting procedures is undertaken.
Under the new guidelines, consular officers are instructed to strictly enforce existing U.S. immigration law, particularly provisions related to the 'public charge' rule, which allows for visa rejections if an applicant is seen as likely to rely on public welfare in the United States.
Criteria for determining eligibility will include the applicant’s health status, age, financial capability, English language skills, job prospects, and potential needs for long-term medical or social assistance.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott has indicated that this measure is rooted in the long-standing legal authority provided by U.S. immigration law.
“The State Department will utilize its longstanding authority to classify potential immigrants as ineligible who would rely on public support in the United States,” Pigott stated.
While it is understood that the pause primarily impacts immigrant visas—those that lead to permanent residency—there are reports suggesting that a variety of visa types may be impacted as the review progresses.
The affected nations include countries from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. Along with Nigeria, others reportedly impacted are Somalia, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Thailand, and Yemen, among others.
This development arises amidst significant political discourse in the United States regarding immigration and follows previous executive orders designed to tighten entry regulations and enhance national security evaluations.
Opponents of the suspension argue that it may hinder families, disrupt international academic plans, and affect workforce dynamics, while supporters claim it is necessary to prevent undue pressure on U.S. public resources.
At the time of reporting, the State Department had not disclosed an official public list of all affected nations, and the duration of the suspension remains contingent on the outcome of the ongoing assessment.
Michael Olugbode, Abuja
Follow us on:
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!