US halts visa processing for Nigerians, Russians, 73 others in major immigration clampdown
Visa applications from Nigeria, Russia and at least 73 other countries have been suspended as the United States tightens immigration screening over concerns about welfare dependence.
The US Department of State has instructed embassies and consulates to pause visa processing for the affected countries from January 21, pending a sweeping review of screening and vetting procedures.
The directive, contained in an internal memo first reported by Fox News, applies across several visa categories and will remain in force indefinitely.
Under the order, consular officers are to refuse applications using existing provisions of US immigration law while the reassessment is ongoing.
The affected countries cut across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America. They include Nigeria, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil and Thailand.
US officials say the decision is linked to stricter enforcement of the “public charge” rule — a long-standing immigration provision that allows authorities to deny visas to individuals considered likely to depend on public benefits. In November 2025, the State Department issued fresh guidance to embassies worldwide, expanding the criteria for assessing applicants.
Consular officers are now required to place greater emphasis on factors such as age, health, English proficiency, financial resources, employment prospects and potential long-term medical needs. Applicants deemed at risk of relying on public assistance may be denied entry.
Somalia has drawn particular scrutiny following a major welfare fraud investigation in Minnesota, where US prosecutors uncovered widespread abuse of taxpayer-funded programmes. Federal authorities said many of those involved were Somali nationals or Somali-Americans, prompting heightened attention to visa applications linked to the country.
Although Nigeria was not specifically singled out in the memo, its inclusion subjects it to tougher migration controls at a time when thousands of Nigerians apply annually for US student, work, tourist and family-based visas.
The State Department has not indicated when the review will be concluded or whether humanitarian exemptions will be granted, leaving applicants facing growing uncertainty and potential disruption to travel, education and family reunification plans.
