By Obinna Uballa
The United States has paused visa processing for Nigeria, Russia, Somalia and at least 73 other countries, as Washington tightens immigration screening over concerns about potential reliance on public benefits.
According to an internal memo first reported by Fox News, the US Department of State has directed consular officers to suspend visa applications from January 21, pending a comprehensive reassessment of screening and vetting procedures.
The pause covers multiple visa categories and will remain in effect indefinitely until the review is completed. During this period, consular officers are instructed to refuse applications using existing provisions of US immigration law.
Affected countries span Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, including Nigeria, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil, and Thailand.
The policy shift is linked to the “public charge” rule, which allows US authorities to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to rely on public assistance. In November 2025, the State Department issued guidance directing embassies to enforce stricter assessments under this rule, considering factors such as age, health, English proficiency, financial capacity, employment prospects, and potential long-term medical needs.
Somalia has drawn particular scrutiny following a major welfare fraud investigation in Minnesota involving Somali nationals and Somali-Americans, prompting tighter visa scrutiny for the country.
While Nigeria was not specifically singled out, its inclusion places it among nations now subject to stricter migration controls, potentially affecting thousands of students, workers, tourists, and family-based visa applicants.
The State Department has not indicated when the review will conclude or whether humanitarian exemptions will apply. Analysts warn the move may heighten uncertainty for prospective travellers and strain diplomatic relations with the affected countries.
