U.S. Suspends Green Card and Citizenship Processing for Nigerians: What You Need to Know

U.S. Suspends Green Card and Citizenship Processing for Nigerians: What You Need to Know

The United States government has announced a significant policy shift that directly affects Nigerians seeking permanent residency and citizenship in the country. Under a new directive issued by President Donald Trump, the processing of green card and U.S. citizenship applications submitted by Nigerian nationals has been suspended. This development follows Nigeria’s inclusion in an expanded list of countries facing immigration restrictions, a move that has generated widespread concern among applicants, families, and immigration stakeholders both in Nigeria and abroad.

According to a report by CBS News, a U.S. government official confirmed that the Trump administration has instructed the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to halt the consideration of immigration petitions from nationals of countries newly placed under the expanded restrictions. The suspension is not limited to new applications alone but applies broadly to immigration benefits affected by the directive, pending a comprehensive review. The U.S. government has cited national security concerns and the need to reassess existing screening and vetting procedures as the primary reasons for this decision.

The directive stems from a presidential proclamation signed earlier in the week, which further restricts entry and immigration processing for countries described as having “demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing.” According to the White House, these deficiencies are believed to pose potential risks to U.S. national security and public safety. As a result, immigration benefits for nationals of affected countries have been placed under heightened scrutiny, with processing paused until further notice.

Nigeria has been listed among 15 additional countries subjected to partial travel restrictions under the latest proclamation. While this designation stops short of a full travel ban, U.S. immigration officials have clarified that the suspension does extend to green card and citizenship applications filed by Nigerians during the review period. This distinction is important, as it means that while entry into the U.S. may not be entirely blocked, long-term immigration pathways are currently on hold.

This decision also builds on earlier actions taken by the Trump administration. On October 31, Nigeria was designated a “country of particular concern,” following allegations of widespread violence against Christian communities. The U.S. government has linked this designation to broader issues, including governance challenges, internal security concerns, and limitations in Nigeria’s ability to share critical information with U.S. authorities. These factors have now been incorporated into the broader immigration policy framework guiding the current restrictions.

Under the new policy, several countries have been placed under a full travel ban, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Laos, and Sierra Leone. In contrast, countries such as Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe face partial restrictions. Notably, Laos and Sierra Leone were recently upgraded from partial restrictions to a full ban, prompting USCIS to fully suspend immigration benefits, including lawful permanent residency and naturalisation applications for their nationals.

The proclamation also expands on earlier immigration restrictions announced in June, which had already limited immigration processing for nationals of several countries. Nations previously affected, including Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Venezuela, and others, remain subject to similar measures. With each new expansion, the U.S. immigration landscape has become increasingly complex and uncertain, particularly for applicants from countries with developing immigration infrastructures.

U.S. officials have stated that the suspension will remain in place until a comprehensive review of screening and vetting processes is completed, although no timeline has been provided for the conclusion of this review. One official noted that the review is aimed at “ensuring the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.” The absence of a clear deadline has added to the anxiety of affected applicants, many of whom have invested years, finances, and emotional energy into their immigration journeys.

For Nigerians, the impact of this decision cannot be overstated. Thousands of individuals currently awaiting green card approvals, family-based petitions, employment-based residency, or eligibility for U.S. citizenship now face prolonged uncertainty. At a time when global immigration policies are tightening, this suspension further complicates migration plans and underscores the need for accurate information and strategic planning.

At Astral Trail, we understand how unsettling sudden immigration policy changes can be. This is why we encourage Nigerians to avoid panic, seek professional guidance, and explore alternative pathways such as study routes, work permits, and relocation options in more immigration-friendly countries. While U.S. immigration processing may be paused, global opportunities still exist. With the right advice and preparation, your international goals remain achievable, even in uncertain times.


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