The United States has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, in a move aimed at reviewing its screening and vetting procedures.
A spokesperson for the US State Department confirmed on Wednesday that immigrant visa processing would be paused for the affected countries. According to an internal memo obtained by Fox News Digital, consular officers have been instructed to refuse immigrant visa applications under existing laws while the review is ongoing.
The suspension is scheduled to take effect from January 21 and will remain in place indefinitely until the assessment is concluded.
The decision, which forms part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration policy, is expected to impact thousands of prospective immigrants seeking permanent residence in the United States. US officials said the measure is intended to strengthen national security and ensure more robust vetting processes.
Below is the full list of affected countries, grouped by region:
Africa (27 countries)
Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte 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, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Syria, Thailand, Uzbekistan.
Europe (8 countries)
Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North 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, the suspension affects 27 African countries, 22 in Asia, eight in Europe, 13 in North America and the Caribbean, three in South America, and one in Oceania.
The move has reignited debate over US immigration policies, with critics raising concerns about its impact on families and migration pathways, while the administration maintains that the review is necessary to enhance security and improve immigration controls.
