At least 5,000 Nigerians intending to immigrate to the United States may face delays following new visa restrictions imposed on Nigeria and 74 other countries by President Donald Trump on Wednesday.
Data from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos show that 5,626 immigrant visas were issued to Nigerians in 2023, up from 4,219 in 2022—an increase of 1,407 visas within a year. Analysis by The PUNCH suggests that the latest measures could affect at least 5,000 Nigerian immigrant visas annually, as the policy aims to limit the entry of foreigners intending to live permanently in the United States.
In 2024, a total of 70,621 Nigerians were issued U.S. visas, including both immigrant and non-immigrant categories. Of these, 63,313 were non-immigrant visas, with 30,222 issued in Abuja and 33,091 in Lagos. Additionally, 7,308 Nigerians obtained immigrant visas during the same period.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed the development, stating, “The State Department is pausing immigrant visa processing for 75 countries.” The pause is set to begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely until a review is completed.
This policy is part of a broader entry suspension targeting countries that Washington considers challenging to screen or whose nationals rely heavily on public benefits. The announcement comes a week after the Trump administration introduced a visa bond requirement of up to $15,000 for nationals from 38 countries, including Nigeria, effective January 21, 2026. The measure targets countries with high visa overstay rates and security concerns.
The State Department, in a post on X, explained that the pause applies to 75 countries “whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates” and will remain until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not become public charges. The affected countries include 27 in Africa, 22 in Asia, eight in Europe, 13 in North America and the Caribbean, three in South America, and one in Oceania.
In relation to Nigeria, the U.S. cited persistent security challenges, visa overstays, and extremist activity in some regions, noting that these conditions create “substantial screening and vetting difficulties.” Consequently, entry into the U.S. of Nigerian nationals on immigrant visas, as well as on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J non-immigrant visas, is suspended. The validity of other non-immigrant visas for Nigerians will also be reduced. Existing visas issued before the proclamation will not be revoked, but Nigerians outside the U.S. without valid visas at implementation will be directly affected.
Reacting to the ban, former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico Ogbole Amedu-Ode described it as contradictory to America’s long-standing promotion of free movement, saying, “It is unfortunate that the apostle of globalisation is now engaging what I’ll call a reverse gear… Migration and immigration are as old as the human race.”
Ex-Ambassador Godknows Igali acknowledged the U.S.’s sovereign right to set immigration policies but stressed the need to consider the impact on bilateral relations. He highlighted Nigerians’ positive contributions, noting they are skilled, hardworking, and not a burden on the system. He urged the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue dialogue to have Nigeria removed from the list.
Foreign affairs analyst Charles Onunaiju said the restriction reflects a broader shift in U.S. domestic politics and foreign policy, citing increased ICE enforcement and recent visa bans affecting even close allies. He advised Nigerians to “prepare for the worst” under the current administration.
Ex-ambassador Rasheed Akinkoulie observed that while the sweeping ban did not prevent Nigerians from applying for visas entirely, the conditions have become stricter, particularly with the $15,000 visa bond. He noted that government officials and diplomats continue to receive visas without difficulty.
