Lagos, Jan. 15, 2026 – The United States has suspended the processing of immigrant visas for Nigerians and 74 other nationals.
The State Department announced the development on Wednesday.
Tommy Piggott, the State Department Spokesperson, said: “The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge in the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,
Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”
Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary also posted a list of affected countries on X which include Nigeria, Somala, Brazil, Egypt, Ghana and Thailand.
The processing suspension will come into force on Jan. 21, 2026.
