US Stops Nigerians, Others from Applying for Green Cards and Citizenship — What It Means

In a startling development that could reshape the dreams of thousands, the United States government has suspended green card and citizenship applications for Nigerians and other nationals under the expanded 2025 US travel ban and immigration restrictions. 

The move, first reported by Punch Nigeria, comes as part of a sweeping immigration crackdown by the Trump administration — just months after Nigeria was labelled a “country of particular concern” in US policy circles. 

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What’s Happening?

According to the report, US immigration authorities — specifically the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — have been ordered to suspend all pending and new petitions for green cards and naturalisation (citizenship applications) filed by nationals of Nigeria and many other countries recently added to the expanded travel ban list. 

That means individuals in the US seeking to adjust their status to permanent residency (green card) or apply for citizenship could see their cases frozen indefinitely, with no timeline for resumption. 

Nigerians are now among a broader group of nationalities facing restrictions, including several African and Asian countries affected under the expanded US immigration policy. 

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Who Is Affected?

The expanded travel ban and suspension of applications impact a wide range of countries. Under the new policy, nationals from countries fully or partially restricted may have their immigration and naturalisation processing on hold.

Countries affected include (but are not limited to):

Full or expanded restrictions:

Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. 

Partial restrictions affecting immigration processing:

Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 

These measures build on earlier travel bans that targeted different groups of countries, but the key difference now is that even legal immigration pathways like green cards and citizenship petitions are being suspended, not just travel. 

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Why This Is Happening

According to US officials quoted in international media, the expansive immigration stretch is part of an effort to tighten vetting processes and address national security concerns. In recent months, the US has cited events such as the shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C., as a catalyst for broader immigration policy review and enforcement measures. 

Critics argue that this approach unfairly punishes ordinary people and families, undermining legal avenues of immigration and affecting professionals, students, and families who are lawfully seeking a new life in the United States. 

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Real-World Impact

For Nigerians, this development means:

Pending green card or citizenship applications could remain stalled indefinitely.

Individuals inside the US may be unable to complete naturalisation processes.

Family-based immigration and adjustment of status cases are in legal limbo.

Prospective migrants see pathways to the US restricted or uncertain.

Even long-term lawful residents might face increased scrutiny or delays in their cases, though current policies confirm that green card holders already in the US retain their current status and are not barred from re-entry based on nationality alone. 

Meanwhile, some US-based immigration attorneys note that certain applications may still qualify for exceptions — for example through a National Interest Waiver for exceptionally talented professionals, although such pathways are limited and highly selective. 

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Diplomatic and Social Fallout

This development has already fueled debate in Nigeria over the fairness of international immigration policies. Critics say the restrictions damage America’s global reputation, break long-standing ties with partner countries, and punish generations of Nigerians who have pursued education, work opportunities, and family reunification through legal means. 

Supporters of tighter immigration policies argue national security must come first, especially under global instability and heightened concerns over vetting procedures.

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What Comes Next?

For Nigerians whose dreams of permanent residence or US citizenship are now stalled, the only clear course of action is to stay informed, consult immigration attorneys, and watch for legal or diplomatic developments. Immigration law in the US remains dynamic, and shifts in policy could still occur in the months ahead.

All affected individuals should seek legal guidance to explore alternative pathways or understand exceptions that may still apply.