US Under Trump: Strict Visa Restrictions Reimposed On Nigerians And Other Nationals

The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump has reinstated a broad visa policy that could make it harder for many foreign nationals, including Nigerians, to gain entry into the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The policy revives the controversial “public charge” rule, targeting applicants considered likely to rely on government benefits while in the country. A newly issued State Department cable, obtained by Fox News Digital, instructs U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to enforce the policy immediately.

This directive restores a Trump-era standard that was relaxed under President Joe Biden. Consular officers are now required to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to depend on public assistance. Decisions will consider multiple personal factors, including age, health, financial stability, English proficiency, and long-term medical needs. Officers are urged to take a comprehensive, case-by-case approach, reviewing petitions, visa applications, medical reports, affidavits of support, and any other relevant information.

Older applicants may face stricter scrutiny, as the memo highlights that long-term institutional care can be costly and should factor into visa determinations.

The rule stems from Trump’s executive order, “Ending Taxpayer Subsidisation of Open Borders,” aiming to ensure taxpayer-funded benefits are not given to ineligible foreigners. State Department officials emphasized that consular officers have broad discretion to assess whether applicants are likely to become a public charge, with no single test or formula.

Previously, the Biden administration’s 2022 guidance limited public charge considerations to direct cash aid and long-term care, excluding programs like Medicaid, food stamps, WIC, and housing vouchers. Trump’s policy, initially expanded in 2019, included a wider range of benefits, parts of which were later blocked by courts. Biden’s administration ultimately scrapped the broader rule in 2021.

The newly reinstated guidance returns to the full Trump-era interpretation, requiring consular officers to verify all financial documentation submitted by applicants. Nigerians applying for student, work, or family visas may face higher denial rates and longer processing times, particularly if they are elderly or have limited financial resources.