The United States government has temporarily halted the processing of green card and citizenship applications submitted by Nigerian nationals. The suspension, announced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), affects new and pending applications.
Officials cited “security and administrative concerns” as reasons for the pause. According to USCIS, the move allows for a review of documentation and background checks linked to applicants from Nigeria. Although the agency didn’t specify a duration, it confirmed that the decision applies to all categories under family-based and employment-based green card applications, as well as naturalization processes.
This development has triggered concerns among Nigerian communities in the U.S. and those with ongoing applications. Immigration attorneys described the move as abrupt and urged affected applicants to remain calm while seeking legal advice.
A spokesperson from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government had reached out to U.S. authorities for clarification. “We are engaging diplomatically to understand the full scope and ensure Nigerians are treated fairly,” the official stated.
Meanwhile, human rights groups have criticized the suspension, calling it discriminatory and harmful to bilateral ties. They urged the U.S. to reconsider, especially for applicants already deep into the process.
Many Nigerians now await updates, hoping for a quick resolution to the suspension.
