U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a sweeping new visa ban that could hit Nigeria and 35 other countries, as part of a revived immigration crackdown.
According to an internal U.S. State Department memo obtained by The Washington Post, countries with high rates of visa overstays, poor identity documentation, and limited cooperation on deportations are being reviewed for potential restrictions.
The list includes 25 African nations such as Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Others named are in the Caribbean, Central Asia, and the Pacific, including Saint Kitts and Nevis, Kyrgyzstan, and Vanuatu.
Embassies have been instructed to notify governments immediately. Affected countries have 60 days to meet new security standards or face full or partial visa bans.
The memo highlights issues such as:
Weak or unreliable government-issued identity documents
High U.S. visa overstay rates
Document fraud
Lack of cooperation in accepting deported nationals
Nigeria, one of Africa’s most populous countries, has previously faced visa restrictions under Trump’s first term. The Biden administration later lifted them, but Trump now plans a broader revival. He has pledged a return to the travel ban if re-elected, calling it “bigger than before.”
Critics say the move targets African and Muslim-majority nations unfairly and could damage international relations.
The final decision on enforcement is pending, but diplomatic pressure is already mounting. Affected governments are expected to submit action plans by Wednesday morning.
This proposed ban would mark one of the most aggressive U.S. immigration steps since Trump left office—and could impact millions across Africa and beyond.
