In a significant expansion of immigration restrictions, the administration of US President Donald Trump has added 20 more countries, including Nigeria, to a list facing a suspension of legal immigration applications.
According to a U.S. official who spoke anonymously to CBS News, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has now paused the processing of cases for nationals from the newly listed countries. This move follows an executive proclamation by President Trump that expanded his administration’s existing travel ban.
The updated policy fully bars immigrants and travelers from five new nations: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. A further 15 countries, including Nigeria, Angola, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia, now face partial restrictions affecting immigration applications.
This expansion means nationals from these countries will be unable to apply for or progress with applications for lawful permanent residency (Green Cards) or U.S. citizenship for the duration of the suspension.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated the review is part of an effort to “restore law and order in our nation’s immigration system.” The Trump administration has consistently argued such bans are necessary for national security and vetting capabilities.
Critics, however, denounce the policy as discriminatory, noting it disproportionately targets nations in Africa and Asia. With this latest expansion, the restrictions now affect citizens from over 60% of African countries.
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Tag: Foreign News, Immigration, USA, Diplomacy
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