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US Halts Immigrant Visa Processing
The United States government has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for Nigerians and citizens of 74 other countries.
The decision means US embassies and consulates will temporarily stop accepting and processing immigrant visa applications from affected countries.
Policy Takes Effect January 21
According to reports, the suspension will take effect on January 21.
The policy was issued by the US State Department in November as part of efforts to tighten immigration screening procedures.
Reason for the Suspension
US authorities said the move is aimed at preventing the entry of individuals considered likely to become dependent on public welfare benefits.
A State Department spokesperson explained that the government will rely on existing immigration laws to assess applicants who may become public charges in the United States.
Countries Affected by the Decision
Nigeria is among 75 countries impacted by the suspension.
Other affected nations include Russia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Brazil, and several countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Link to Earlier US Travel Policies
The suspension follows a recent policy requiring Nigerians applying for B1 and B2 visas to post bonds of up to 15,000 dollars. That policy is also scheduled to take effect on January 21.
Last month, the US further restricted entry for Nigerians seeking green cards or traveling under several visa categories, including B, F, M, and J visas.
Government Cites Security and Overstay Concerns
US officials have cited high rates of visa overstays and security concerns as reasons for the restrictions.
The government has also introduced partial and full travel bans on several countries in recent months as part of broader immigration controls.
Review Ongoing
The State Department said immigration processing from the affected countries will remain paused while authorities review existing procedures.
No timeline has been announced for when normal visa processing may resume.
This report is based on information from Premium Times and Fox News.
