The administration of US President, Donald Trump, has announced a major change to America’s immigration process, directing Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking permanent residency in the United States to return to their home countries to complete their Green Card applications.
According to reports, the new directive issued through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will end the long-standing practice that allowed many immigrants already living legally in the US to adjust their immigration status without leaving the country. Under the revised policy, applicants must now process their Green Card requests through American embassies or consulates in their countries of origin, except in what officials described as “extraordinary circumstances.”
The decision is expected to affect thousands of immigrants, including Nigerians studying, working, or living temporarily in the United States under various visa categories. Analysts say the policy could create serious uncertainty for many families, especially those with pending residency applications who may now be forced to leave their jobs, homes, and relatives behind while waiting for their applications to be processed abroad. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The Trump administration defended the move, insisting it is aimed at strengthening immigration controls, reducing visa overstays, and ensuring stricter background checks for applicants. US immigration authorities argued that the policy aligns with the original intent of American immigration law and would help close loopholes allegedly exploited by some foreign nationals seeking permanent residency.
However, immigrant rights organisations and policy experts have strongly criticised the development, warning that the new rules could expose vulnerable applicants to hardship and danger. Advocacy groups noted that some applicants may face long delays, travel restrictions, or even possible denial of re-entry into the US after departing for consular processing in their home countries.
The latest directive comes amid broader immigration restrictions introduced under Trump’s administration, including visa limitations and tighter scrutiny for several countries, among them Nigeria. Reports indicate that Nigeria remains among countries facing partial US immigration restrictions tied to security and visa overstay concerns.
