Trump orders Nigerians, others seeking green cards to apply from home countries

United States President Donald Trump has directed that Nigerians and other foreign nationals applying for green cards must return to their countries of origin to complete the application process, except in exceptional circumstances.

The policy change was announced on Friday.

In a statement released by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency said the measure was intended to restore what it called the “original intent” of US immigration law.

It explained that applicants seeking adjustment of status would now be required to pursue their residency applications through US consular offices in their home countries, under the supervision of the US Department of State.

The statement read in part: “We are returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens properly navigate our immigration system. From now on, an alien in the U.S. temporarily who wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.”

USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler said the policy would help curb illegal overstays following unsuccessful immigration applications.

He noted that the approach was designed to close loopholes and ensure compliance with immigration procedures, adding that applicants processing requests from abroad would reduce cases of individuals remaining in the US unlawfully after visa denial.

The agency also clarified that the rule would mainly affect temporary visa holders such as students, tourists, and foreign workers.

It stressed that such nonimmigrant visitors are expected to leave the United States after their authorised stay, and that visiting the country should not serve as a direct pathway to obtaining permanent residency.

USCIS further said shifting the process to overseas consular offices would help reduce pressure on its workload and allow it to focus on other immigration duties.

These include handling cases involving victims of violent crimes, human trafficking, citizenship applications, and other priority services.

It added that adherence to the law would make the system more efficient and fair.

The development comes amid earlier immigration restrictions. In December 2025, reports indicated that the Trump administration temporarily suspended green card and citizenship applications from Nigerians and nationals of other countries affected by a US travel ban, according to CBS News.

The suspension impacted legal immigration processes handled by USCIS and affected individuals from selected African and Asian countries already residing in the United States.

Further reports also noted that immigration petitions from 19 countries under the travel ban were frozen following a directive linked to security concerns after an attack on National Guard personnel in Washington DC.