The administration of President Donald Trump has directed the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to suspend the processing of green card and citizenship applications filed by Nigerians and nationals of other countries newly added to the expanded US travel ban.
A US government official disclosed the development, citing national security concerns and an ongoing review of immigration screening and vetting processes. The decision was reported by CBS News on Thursday.
The directive follows a proclamation signed by President Trump on Tuesday, further restricting entry into the United States for nationals of countries described as having “demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing,” which the administration said pose risks to US national security and public safety.
Nigeria is among 15 additional countries newly placed under partial travel restrictions.
Trump had earlier, on October 31, declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” following allegations of widespread violence against Christians in the country.
According to the report, the suspension affects certain immigration benefits, including green card and citizenship applications, pending the conclusion of the ongoing review.
Countries affected by the suspension
Full travel ban
Burkina Faso
Mali
Niger
South Sudan
Syria
Laos
Sierra Leone
Partial travel restrictions
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Benin
Côte d’Ivoire
Dominica
Gabon
Gambia
Malawi
Mauritania
Nigeria
Senegal
Tanzania
Tonga
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Previously affected countries
Afghanistan
Burundi
Chad
Cuba
Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Libya
Myanmar
Somalia
Sudan
Togo
Turkmenistan
Yemen
Venezuela
US officials said the measures are part of broader efforts to tighten immigration controls and ensure stricter compliance with security and information-sharing standards, adding that affected countries may be reviewed periodically for possible removal or adjustment of restrictions.
