The United States government has suspended green card and citizenship applications from Nigeria and several other countries. A senior US official confirmed the directive came from the Trump administration. The instruction was issued to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, known as USCIS.
Officials cited national security concerns and an ongoing review of immigration vetting systems. CBS News reported the development on Thursday, referencing a government source. The suspension follows a new proclamation signed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
The order further restricts entry into the United States for nationals of high-risk countries. According to the proclamation, affected nations show serious screening and information-sharing deficiencies. US authorities believe these gaps pose risks to national security and public safety.
Nigeria is among 15 additional countries placed under partial travel restrictions. Trump previously labeled Nigeria a country of particular concern in October. That designation followed allegations of religious violence and human rights abuses.
Other countries facing partial restrictions include Angola, Benin, Senegal, and Tanzania. Several nations already under travel limits remain affected by the latest expansion. They include Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, and Venezuela.
The new suspension builds on earlier restrictions announced in June. Those earlier measures limited immigration processing for certain countries. Under the latest update, Laos and Sierra Leone now face a full entry ban.
Both countries were previously subjected to partial immigration restrictions. As a result, USCIS extended its freeze on related immigration petitions. The suspension covers green card applications and citizenship filings.
US officials described the measure as temporary and review-driven. However, the move has raised concerns among immigrants and advocacy groups. Many fear prolonged delays and uncertainty for affected applicants.
The administration insists the policy strengthens border control and national safety. Further updates are expected after the vetting review concludes.
