United States Suspends Green Card and Citizenship Processing for Nigerian Applicants
Abuja, Nigeria – December 21, 2025
The United States government has announced a suspension of the processing of green card and U.S. citizenship applications submitted by Nigerian nationals, following Nigeria’s inclusion on an expanded list of countries facing immigration restrictions under a new government directive.
According to U.S. and international news reports, a U.S. government official confirmed to CBS News that the government has directed the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to halt consideration of immigration petitions, including permanent resident status (green cards) and naturalization, for nationals of countries newly added to the expanded travel restrictions list.
The official cited concerns over national security and the need for a comprehensive review of vetting procedures as reasons for the pause.
The directive follows a presidential proclamation signed last week aimed at further restricting entry into the United States for nationals of countries the White House describes as demonstrating “persistent and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing” that could pose risks to U.S. national security and public safety.
Under the latest policy, Nigeria is among 15 additional countries subjected to partial travel restrictions.
While the suspension does not amount to a complete ban on entry for Nigerian nationals, immigration officials confirmed that it specifically applies to the processing of green card and citizenship applications during the ongoing review period.
The expanded restrictions also maintain fuller travel bans on other nations previously designated under earlier proclamations.
The White House justification for Nigeria’s inclusion cites security challenges, including activities by extremist groups operating in parts of the country, as complicating effective identity screening and information-sharing with U.S. authorities.
This development comes after President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” on October 31, 2025, citing widespread violence against Christian communities, a classification that typically highlights nations with serious concerns over religious freedom violations. The Nigerian government has previously denied such allegations.
The suspension affects prospective immigrants abroad as well as many legal immigrants currently residing in the United States who are in the process of adjusting their status or seeking naturalization.
Experts warn that the policy could delay family reunifications, work authorizations, and other immigration pathways for Nigerians and others from affected countries.
U.S. officials emphasize that the suspension is temporary and linked to the ongoing review of vetting processes. No definitive timeframe has been provided for when normal processing might resume, and it remains unclear how long applicants will be affected.
Critics of the policy argue that it risks straining diplomatic relations and disrupting international mobility, particularly between the United States and African nations whose citizens now face expanded immigration restrictions.
