US Halts Immigrant Visa Processing for Nigeria, 74 Other Nations

The United States has announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from Nigeria and 74 other countries, marking the latest action by President Donald Trump aimed at tightening immigration controls.
Washington has traditionally denied visas to individuals deemed likely to rely on public assistance.

However, the State Department said it will now apply this authority broadly, implementing a nationality-based suspension of immigrant visa processing.
According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the move is intended to curb what the administration describes as misuse of the U.S. immigration system.
“The Trump administration is ending the exploitation of America’s immigration system by individuals who seek to drain resources from the American people,” Pigott said.
He explained that immigrant visa processing from the affected 75 countries has been paused while the State Department reviews its immigration procedures to prevent the admission of foreign nationals who may depend on welfare and public benefits.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt disclosed on X that the affected countries include Somalia, which has been sharply criticised by President Trump following a funding scandal in Minnesota involving immigrants. Russia and Iran are also among the countries impacted.
Leavitt referenced a Fox News report indicating that several U.S. allies are included in the suspension, such as Brazil, Egypt, and Thailand.
The State Department has yet to publish an official comprehensive list of all the affected countries.
President Trump has consistently expressed his intention to reduce immigration from non-European countries. In the past, he has made derogatory remarks about Somali immigrants, suggesting they should leave the United States, while indicating a preference for immigrants from Scandinavian nations.
Earlier this week, the State Department revealed that more than 100,000 visas have been revoked since President Trump returned to office, representing a record number within a single year.
Similarly, the Department of Homeland Security reported last month that over 605,000 individuals have been deported under the current administration, while an additional 2.5 million people departed voluntarily.
The suspension applies strictly to immigrant visas and does not affect tourist, business, or other non-immigrant visas. This includes visas for football fans planning to attend this year’s World Cup. Nonetheless, the administration has reiterated its commitment to thoroughly screen applicants’ social media activities.
Full List of Affected Countries:
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Bhutan
Bosnia
Brazil
Burma
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Colombia
Côte d’Ivoire
Cuba
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dominica
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Liberia
Libya
Macedonia
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Nepal
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Pakistan
Republic of the Congo
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Yemen
AFP