US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing For Nigeria, Ghana, 73 Other Countries
The United States has announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, in a sweeping move that further tightens entry into the country.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, is President Donald Trump’s latest action aimed at restricting immigration as the US government reassesses its screening and vetting procedures for foreign nationals seeking permanent residence.
A spokesperson for the US State Department confirmed the development, stating that immigrant visa processing has been paused for affected countries.
“The State Department is pausing immigrant visa processing for 75 countries,” the spokesperson said.
According to an internal memo obtained by Fox News Digital, US consular officers have been instructed to refuse immigrant visa applications under existing law while the department conducts a comprehensive review of its screening and security processes.
The suspension is scheduled to take effect from January 21 and will remain in force indefinitely until the review is completed.
The move affects thousands of prospective immigrants across multiple continents and has sparked fresh debate around US immigration policy, national security concerns, and global mobility.
Read Also: US to Begin Partial Visa Ban on Nigerians January 1, 2026
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Full List Of Affected Countries By Region
Africa (27 Countries)
Algeria
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Cote d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Liberia
Libya
Morocco
Nigeria
Republic of the Congo
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Yemen
Asia (22 Countries)
Afghanistan
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Burma
Cambodia
Georgia
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Mongolia
Nepal
Pakistan
Syria
Thailand
Uzbekistan
Europe (8 Countries)
Albania
Belarus
Bosnia
Kosovo
Macedonia
Moldova
Montenegro
Russia
North America & The Caribbean (13 Countries)
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Cuba
Dominica
Grenada
Guatemala
Haiti
Jamaica
Nicaragua
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
South America (3 Countries)
Brazil
Colombia
Uruguay
Oceania (1 Country)
Fiji
In total, the suspension affects 27 African countries, 22 Asian countries, eight European nations, 13 countries in North America and the Caribbean, three South American countries, and one country in Oceania.
US officials say the decision is part of efforts to strengthen national security and ensure stricter vetting of immigrants. However, critics argue that the policy could disrupt families, limit economic opportunities, and strain diplomatic relations with affected nations.
The State Department has not provided a timeline for when the review will be completed or when immigrant visa processing may resume.