Shockwaves as US Freezes Immigrant Visas for Nigeria, Ghana, 73 Other Nations
The United States has announced a sweeping suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 Countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, in what has been described as a major policy shift under President Donald Trump’s administration, Global Mirror News gathered.
A spokesperson for the US Department of State confirmed that the measure, which takes effect from January 21, is aimed at allowing American authorities to reassess their screening and vetting systems for foreign Nationals seeking permanent residency in the Country.
“The State Department is pausing immigrant visa processing for 75 Countries,” the spokesperson said, adding that consular officers have been directed to refuse applications under existing legal provisions while a comprehensive review is carried out.
According to an internal memo obtained by Fox News Digital, the suspension will remain in force indefinitely until the review of security, background checks, and immigration procedures is concluded.
The development is expected to affect thousands of prospective immigrants worldwide and has already sparked intense debate, especially in Countries with large numbers of applicants seeking to relocate to the United States for work, education, or family reunification.
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 and 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, 75 Countries are affected by the suspension, with Africa recording the highest number at 27, followed by Asia with 22.
US officials say the decision is driven by National Security concerns and the need to strengthen immigration controls.
However, the move is already generating concern among Governments, advocacy groups, and applicants who fear prolonged delays and uncertainty over their plans to migrate to the United States.
