In a significant escalation of U.S. immigration policy, the White House has announced an expansion of entry restrictions targeting nationals from numerous countries, including Nigeria. According to a recent presidential proclamation, applications for green cards and certain pathways to citizenship will be halted for individuals from these nations, effective January 1, 2026.
This move builds on previous travel bans and aims to address national security concerns, but has drawn sharp criticism for its broad impact on legal immigration.
The proclamation, titled "Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States," categorizes countries into full and partial suspension lists.
Countries under full suspension, where entry as both immigrants and nonimmigrants is broadly prohibited include Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Syria, along with individuals using travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.
Partial suspensions, which primarily affect immigrant visas (green cards) and specific nonimmigrant categories like tourist and student visas, apply to Burundi, Cuba, Togo, Venezuela, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and a modified restriction for Turkmenistan.
This policy suspends the issuance of immigrant visas, effectively stopping new green card applications for nationals of these countries. Reports indicate that the restrictions extend to halting processing for some citizenship applications and oath ceremonies, particularly for those seeking to adjust status or naturalize while in the U.S.
Exceptions are provided for lawful permanent residents, dual nationals traveling on non-restricted passports, diplomats, athletes participating in major events, and case-by-case waivers for entries deemed in the U.S. national interest. However the policy notably removes protections for certain Afghan allies eligible for Special Immigrant Visas.
The administration justifies these measures by citing deficiencies in vetting processes, including unreliable civil documentation, high visa overstay rates, corruption, presence of terrorist organizations, and failures by some countries to accept deported nationals.
Specific examples include overstay rates exceeding 10% for countries like Nigeria (12.5%) and high-risk factors in regions affected by conflict. White House officials emphasize that the restrictions are necessary to protect American security and enforce immigration laws, pointing to recent incidents involving foreign nationals from restricted countries.
Critics, including immigration advocates and affected governments, argue that the ban is discriminatory and not genuinely rooted in security concerns. The Brennan Center for Justice has described it as targeting Muslims and Africans, punishing U.S. businesses and citizens.
In Nigeria, former Senator Shehu Sani called it "a clear signal that migrants from developing countries are no longer welcome." Countries like Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda are seeking clarification from U.S. officials, while advocates for Afghan refugees decry the removal of visa exceptions for wartime allies.
This expansion affects over 60% of African nations and represents one of the broadest immigration crackdowns in recent U.S. history. It is expected to disrupt family reunifications, business travel, and educational opportunities, with potential economic repercussions for both the U.S. and the listed countries.