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U.S. Imposes Sweeping Travel Ban on Nigerians, Citing Security and Overstay Concerns

The administration of President Donald Trump has imposed a significant new travel ban on Nigerian citizens, suspending entry for nationals seeking to enter the United States on several key immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories.

In a statement published on the White House website, the administration cited the operational freedom of "radical Islamic terrorist groups" in parts of Nigeria and a high rate of visa overstays as the primary reasons for the restrictions.

Details of the Ban

The order suspends entry for Nigerians under the following visa categories:

*   Immigrant Visas: For those seeking permanent residency.
*   Nonimmigrant Visas: Specifically B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), B-1/B-2 (combined business/tourism), F (academic student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visas.

The White House stated the security crisis in Nigeria creates "substantial screening and vetting difficulties," making it hard to properly verify the background of applicants. It further pointed to specific overstay rates: a 5.56% overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas and an 11.90% overstay rate for F, M, and J visas in the most recent reporting period.

Additional Consular Restrictions

Beyond the entry suspension, the administration has directed consular officers in Nigeria to "reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Nigeria to the extent permitted by law." This means Nigerians who qualify for visa categories not explicitly banned may still receive visas with shorter validity periods than before.

This move represents one of the most substantial U.S. immigration restrictions on Nigeria in recent years and is expected to impact thousands of students, business travelers, tourists, and prospective immigrants.

*Source: Premium Times Nigeria*
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