International

US Suspends Visa Processing for Nationals of 75 Countries, Including Nigeria

Published

1 month ago

January 14, 2026

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The United States Department of State has announced a temporary suspension of visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Nigeria, as part of a broader immigration crackdown under the Trump administration.

The policy, detailed in an internal memo first reported by Fox News, directs consular officers to refuse visa issuances under existing legal authorities while the department conducts a comprehensive reassessment of screening, vetting, and adjudication procedures.

The suspension is set to take effect on January 21, 2026, and will remain in place indefinitely until the review is completed. Officials emphasized that the pause aims to prevent the entry of individuals likely to become a “public charge” — meaning those who may rely heavily on public benefits or welfare programs — citing long-standing immigration law provisions.

A State Department spokesperson stated: “The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people. Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures.

“The affected countries span Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and other regions. The move follows heightened scrutiny triggered by recent events, including a major fraud scandal involving public benefits in Minnesota (primarily linked to Somali nationals) and broader concerns over visa overstays, security vetting challenges, and financial self-sufficiency of applicants.

Key Details of the Suspension

– Scope: Applies to various visa categories, including immigrant and nonimmigrant visas (with some variations reported across sources).

– Duration: Indefinite, pending completion of the department’s review.- Rationale: Stricter enforcement of the “public charge” rule, considering factors such as age, health, English proficiency, finances, and potential need for long-term care.

– Context:

This builds on earlier restrictions, including partial visa suspensions effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which targeted specific countries (including Nigeria for certain visa types) due to security, overstay rates, and vetting difficulties.

Full List of Affected Countries

The following 75 countries are reportedly included in the suspension (as compiled from multiple reports, including Fox News, Reuters, and Nigerian media outlets):

– Afghanistan- Albania

– Algeria

– Antigua and Barbuda

– Armenia

– Azerbaijan

– Bahamas

– Bangladesh

– Barbados

– Belarus

– Belize

– Bhutan

– Bosnia

– Brazil

– Burma (Myanmar)

– Cambodia

– Cameroon

– Cape Verde

– Colombia

– Cote d’Ivoire

– Cuba

– Democratic Republic of the Congo

– Dominica

– Egypt

– Eritrea

– Ethiopia

– Fiji

– Gambia

– Georgia

– Ghana

– Grenada

– Guatemala

– Guinea

– Haiti

– Iran

– Iraq

– Jamaica

– Jordan

– Kazakhstan

– Kosovo

– Kuwait

– Kyrgyzstan

– Laos

– Lebanon

– Liberia

– Libya

– Macedonia

– Moldova

– Mongolia

– Montenegro

– Morocco

– Nepal

– Nicaragua

-Nigeria

– Pakistan

– Republic of the Congo

– Russia

– Rwanda

– Saint Kitts and Nevis

– Saint Lucia

– Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

– Senegal

– Sierra Leone

– Somalia

– South Sudan

– Sudan

– Syria

– Tanzania

– Thailand

– Togo

– Tunisia

– Uganda

– Uruguay

– Uzbekistan

– Yemen

This policy has raised significant concerns among prospective travelers, particularly from high-volume visa applicant nations like Nigeria, where many seek student, tourist, work, or family-based visas annually. It comes amid the administration’s ongoing emphasis on immigration enforcement and national security.

Applicants from unaffected countries or those with existing valid visas (issued before relevant effective dates) are generally not impacted, though case-by-case exceptions may apply.

For the most current official guidance, individuals should consult the U.S. Department of State website or their local U.S. embassy/consulate.

The announcement marks one of the broadest visa processing halts in recent years, reflecting the administration’s continued focus on stringent immigration controls.

Related Topics:Featured Nigeria US Suspends Visa Processing for Nationals of 75 Countries

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International

Trump kicks off his ‘Board of Peace,’ as war clouds loom on Iran

Trump, who has sharply curtailed foreign aid, said that the United States would contribute $10 billion to the initiative whose goals include rebuilding Gaza, which was reduced to rubble by two years of war between Hamas and Israel.

Published

5 days ago

February 19, 2026

OCHEFA

36 Views

Image credit : AFP

President Donald Trump on Thursday promised $10 billion for a new “Board of Peace,” an amorphous new institution focused first on Gaza that is being launched just as he threatens Iran with war.

While US warplanes and aircraft carriers headed toward Iran on his orders, Trump welcomed some two dozen allies from around the world to the gleaming Washington building of the former US Institute of Peace, which has been gutted and renamed after the 79-year-old Republican.

“Together we can achieve the dream of bringing lasting harmony to a region tortured by centuries of war, suffering,” said the realtor-turned-president, who has previously spoken improbably of building tourist resorts in Gaza.

Trump did not explain exactly where the money would go and his “Board of Peace” has drawn wide criticism for its opaque nature.

Trump will wield veto power over the “Board of Peace” and can remain its head even after leaving office, while countries that want to stay on permanently rather than enjoy a two-year stint will need to pay $1 billion.

In a rambling speech in which he denounced domestic opponents, highlighted stock market gains and hailed his prowess in endorsing foreign leaders during elections, Trump said he wanted to pursue more peace deals.

Crime

BREAKING: Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe Arrested in Johannesburg After Alleged Shooting at Home

Published

5 days ago

February 19, 2026

Charles Flames

45 Views

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, has been arrested following a shooting incident at his residence in the upscale Hyde Park suburb.

According to reports from South African media outlets including eNCA and IOL, as well as Gauteng police investigations, an employee—described variably as a security guard or gardener—was shot during an apparent dispute at the property.

The victim is in critical condition and receiving medical treatment.Police responded to the scene, where Mugabe was reportedly taken into custody in connection with the shooting.

Some unconfirmed social media accounts and early reports mentioned police negotiators attending amid claims the suspect had barricaded himself, but he was subsequently arrested.

This marks the latest in a series of legal troubles for Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, who has previously faced charges related to assault in Zimbabwe, including incidents involving security personnel and law enforcement.

The investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) is ongoing, with more details expected as the case develops. Authorities have not yet released an official statement on charges or motives.

The incident has drawn significant attention online and in regional media, given the family’s prominent political legacy.

International

Five Critically Injured in Catastrophic Explosion at Upstate New York Church

Published

6 days ago

February 18, 2026

Charles Flames

42 Views

A powerful explosion devastated the Abundant Life Fellowship Church in this rural community on Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, leaving five people—including the church’s pastor and four firefighters—critically injured, authorities said.

The blast occurred around 10:25–10:30 a.m. at the church located on State Route 12 in the Town of Boonville, Oneida County, approximately 50 miles northeast of Syracuse. Emergency responders were initially dispatched after reports of a strong gas odor inside the building.

According to New York State Police, a preliminary investigation indicates that four individuals were in the church basement when the furnace activated, triggering the explosion.

A fifth person a firefighter was on the first floor attempting to ventilate the structure and was thrown against a wall by the force of the blast.

The injured have been identified as:

– Brandon Pitts, 43, pastor of Abundant Life Fellowship Church

– David Pritchard Jr., 60, Boonville Fire Chief

– Allan Austin, 67, Boonville Fire Department firefighter

– Nicholas Amicucci, 43, Boonville Fire Department firefighter

– Richard Czajka, 71, Boonville Fire Department firefighter

All five victims were transported to regional hospitals, including Upstate University Hospital and Wynn Hospital, where they remain in critical but stable condition.

The explosion caused catastrophic damage to the church building, which officials now consider “destroyed.”

Thick black smoke billowed from the site following the blast.

State police emphasized that there is no indication of criminal activity at this time, and the incident appears to stem from a propane or gas-related issue in the heating system.

The investigation is ongoing.Community members and first responder agencies have expressed support for the injured and their families as recovery efforts continue.