Trump Pauses New Visa Processing For 75 Countries
The Trump administration is placing an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, further restricting the legal routes for entering the US.
The State Department on Wednesday said the administration wants to bring “an end to the abuse” of the system by those who would extract wealth from the American people by using welfare and public benefits.
The order takes effect on 21 January, but a full list of the 75 countries has not yet been released.
No fewer than 5,000 intending Nigerian immigrants to the United States may be delayed following the new visa restrictions.
Data from the US consulate in Lagos show that 5,626 immigrant visas were issued in 2023, up from 4,219 in 2022–an increase of 1,407 visas within a year.
Additionally, a total of 70,621 Nigerians were issued U.S. immigrant and non-immigrant visas in 2024.
