What Is Changing, What Is Still Open, and What Has NOT Changed
Prepared by The Danquah Law Group (DLG)
Over the past several months, our office has received a growing number of inquiries from Nigerian clients asking whether Nigerians are being barred from U.S. visas or citizenship. Recent news reports and online discussions have caused understandable concern.
This update provides clear, factual information about current U.S. immigration policy as it relates to Nigerian nationals, including an important upcoming policy change effective January 1, 2026, and explains what legal pathways remain available.
First: What Has NOT Changed
Nigerians are not barred from U.S. immigration or citizenship.
• Nigerians are not prohibited from naturalizing as U.S. citizens
• Nigerians are not banned from all visas
• Immigration cases are still decided individually, based on law and evidence
• Thousands of Nigerians continue to:
o Immigrate through family sponsorship
o Work in the U.S. through employer sponsorship
o Study in the U.S.
o Become U.S. citizens each year
There is no law that disqualifies someone from U.S. immigration solely because they are Nigerian.
What Is Changing: New Policy Effective January 1, 2026
The U.S. government has announced a partial suspension of visa issuance for Nigerian nationals under a presidential proclamation that takes effect January 1, 2026.
Visa Categories Affected for NEW ISSUANCE
For Nigerian nationals outside the United States who do not already have a valid visa, U.S. embassies will generally not issue new visas in the following categories:
• B-1 / B-2 – Visitor visas (business & tourism)
• F-1 / M-1 – Student visas
• J-1 – Exchange visitor visas
• Most immigrant visas (family-based and employment-based), subject to limited exceptions
This is a suspension of visa issuance, not a revocation of existing visas.
Who Is NOT Affected by the January 1, 2026 Policy
The following individuals are not subject to the suspension:
• Nigerians who already hold a valid U.S. visa issued before January 1, 2026
• Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)
• U.S. citizens of Nigerian origin
• Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-restricted country
• Individuals granted a case-by-case waiver under U.S. law
• Certain limited exempt categories under U.S. government discretion
If you already have a valid visa, it remains valid and is not canceled by this policy.
Immigration Pathways That Continue to Work
Despite increased scrutiny and the upcoming suspension, lawful immigration options remain available, and many Nigerian clients continue to move forward successfully with proper legal guidance.
Family-Based Immigration
• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, minor children) remain among the strongest immigration categories
• Adjustment of status inside the U.S. may still be possible in appropriate cases
Employment-Based Immigration
• Skilled professionals, healthcare workers, academics, and other sponsored workers continue to qualify
• Nigeria does not face the same employment-based visa backlogs as some countries
• Employer sponsorship remains viable when carefully prepared
Students & Exchange Visitors
• Nigerian students have historically been among the largest and most successful international student groups in the U.S.
• While new visa issuance will be affected after January 1, 2026, students already in the U.S. or holding valid visas are not impacted
Naturalization
• Nigerians who are permanent residents remain fully eligible to become U.S. citizens
• Citizenship provides the strongest protection against future travel restrictions
• Thousands of Nigerians naturalize each year
Why Nigerians Are Experiencing More Scrutiny
U.S. government agencies have publicly cited:
• Visa overstay data
• Security screening concerns
• Documentation and identity verification challenges
Increased scrutiny does not mean automatic denial. It means cases must be carefully documented and properly presented.
DLG’s Guidance to Nigerian Clients
At The Danquah Law Group, we strongly encourage:
• Avoiding rumors and social-media panic
• Seeking case-specific legal advice, not assumptions
• Preparing applications carefully, with accurate documentation
• Understanding that policy changes are fluid and can evolve
We continue to represent Nigerian clients across:
• Family-based immigration
• Employment-based immigration
• Student matters
• Consular processing
• Naturalization and citizenship
Final Word
The current immigration climate is more complex, but Nigerians are not excluded from the U.S. immigration system. Legal pathways still exist, and success depends on strategy, timing, and proper legal guidance.
Our firm remains committed to providing clear information, honest assessments, and strong