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‘I look forward to working with you’ — Biden congratulates Tinubu on inauguration

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United States President Joe Biden has congratulated Bola Tinubu on his swearing-in as president of Nigeria.

On Monday, former President Muhammadu Buhari ended his eight-year tenure and handed over a new administration to Tinubu.

African leaders and global organisations were in attendance.

Although Biden did not attend the inauguration, TheCable reported how he appointed a nine-member delegation to represent him at the swearing-in ceremony.

The delegation was led by Marcia L. Fudge, US secretary of the department of housing and urban development.

In a statement released by the White House, Biden congratulated Tinubu on his assumption of office, describing Nigeria’s success as a global success.

He added that he looked forward to strengthening ties between the US and Nigeria.

“On behalf of the people of the United States, I send warm wishes to the government and people of Nigeria as they inaugurate a new President,” the statement reads.

“My administration has worked to strengthen ties between the United States and Nigeria, and I look forward to continuing this work with President Tinubu to support economic growth, advance security, and promote respect for human rights.

“The people-to-people connections between our two countries run particularly deep, nurtured by a vibrant Nigerian Diaspora in the United States. As we further deepen our partnership with Nigeria, I look forward to drawing even more on the ideas and energy of this dynamic connection between our countries.

“As Africa’s largest democracy and economy, Nigeria’s success is the world’s success. Elected leaders owe it to their people to show that democracy can deliver for their needs. And the United States will continue to work closely with Nigeria, as a friend and partner, to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for our world.”

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Trump dismisses claims of handing presidency to Musk as ‘hoax’

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Could Elon Musk, who holds major sway in the incoming Trump administration, one day become president? On Sunday, Donald Trump answered with a resounding no, pointing to US rules about being born in the country.

“He’s not gonna be president, that I can tell you,” Trump told a Republican conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

“You know why he can’t be? He wasn’t born in this country,” Trump said of the Tesla and SpaceX boss, who was born in South Africa.

The US Constitution requires that a president be a natural-born US citizen.

Trump was responding to criticism, particularly from the Democratic camp, portraying the tech billionaire and world’s richest person as “President Musk” for the outsized role he is playing in the incoming administration.

As per ceding the presidency to Musk, Trump also assured the crowd: “No, no that’s not happening.”

The influence of Musk, who will serve as Trump’s “efficiency czar,” has become a focus point for Democratic attacks, with questions raised over how an unelected citizen can wield so much power.

And there is even growing anger among Republicans after Musk trashed a government funding proposal this week in a blizzard of posts — many of them wildly inaccurate — to his more than 200 million followers on his social media platform X.

Alongside Trump, Musk ultimately helped pressure Republicans to renege on a funding bill they had painstakingly agreed upon with Democrats, pushing the United States to the brink of budgetary paralysis that would have resulted in a government shutdown just days before Christmas.

Congress ultimately reached an agreement overnight Friday to Saturday, avoiding massive halts to government services.

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Seven confirmed dead in Western Mexico plane crash

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At least seven people died when a light aircraft crashed Sunday in a heavily forested area of Jalisco in western Mexico, local authorities reported.

The aircraft, a Cessna 207, was flying from La Parota in the neighbouring state of Michoacan.

Jalisco Civil Protection said via its social media that the crash site was in an area that was difficult to access.

Initial authorities on the scene “reported a preliminary count of seven people dead,” who haven’t been identified yet, according to the agency.

“A fire was extinguished and risk mitigation was carried out to prevent possible additional damage,” it added.

Authorities said they were awaiting the arrival of forensic investigators to remove the bodies and rule out the presence of additional victims.

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12 Pathways to U.S. citizenship available in 2025

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There are twelve main pathways for individuals to apply for U.S. citizenship, each with specific criteria and procedures.

These options include family-based immigration, employment opportunities, and asylum, providing various routes for those seeking U.S. citizenship.

According to the DAAD Scholarship, prospective applicants can pursue different immigration routes, depending on their situation.

From marriage to a U.S. citizen to qualifying for the Diversity Visa Lottery, each pathway leads to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.

Below is a breakdown of the twelve most common ways to gain U.S. citizenship.

1. Military Service Pathway

Non-citizens who serve in the U.S. military can apply for naturalization during active duty or after one year of service.

Apply here: Naturalization through Military Service

2. Family-Based Immigration (Immediate Relatives)

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens—spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21—do not face annual visa caps. After receiving a Green Card, they can apply for citizenship after 3 to 5 years.

Apply here: Green Card for Immediate Relatives 

3. Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

Marrying a U.S. citizen allows immigrants to apply for a Green Card through a spousal visa. After three years of marriage as a permanent resident, they may apply for naturalization.

Apply here: Spousal Visa Information 

4. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

The Diversity Visa Lottery offers a random selection process for applicants from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. If selected, individuals receive a Green Card and can apply for citizenship after five years.

Apply here: DV Lottery Application 

5. Employment-Based Immigration (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3)

Highly skilled workers or professionals in high-demand fields may obtain a Green Card through employment-based visas, including EB-1 and EB-3 categories. After five years, applicants can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Apply here: Employment-Based Green Card 

6. Refugee or Asylum Seeker Pathway

Individuals fleeing persecution can apply for refugee or asylum status and later adjust their status to permanent resident. After five years, they may apply for citizenship.

7. Family-Based Immigration (Preference Categories)

Siblings and married children of U.S. citizens can apply for Green Cards, though the process may take several years due to long waiting times. Once approved, applicants can apply for citizenship after five years.

Apply here: Family Preference Green Card 

8. Study-to-Citizenship Pathway

International students who graduate from U.S. universities on F-1 visas can transition to work visas like H-1B, secure employer sponsorship, and eventually apply for citizenship after five years.

Apply here: Steps to Naturalization 

9. Special Immigrant Visas and Humanitarian Pathways

Special immigrant visas are available for those who have worked with U.S. forces abroad or victims of trafficking. After receiving a Green Card, they may apply for citizenship.

Apply here: Special Immigrant Visa

10. EB-5 Investor Visa

Through the EB-5 program, individuals who invest $900,000 to $1.8 million in a U.S. business may obtain a Green Card. Citizenship can be pursued after five years.

Apply here: EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program 

11. Adoption Pathway

Children under 18 who are adopted by U.S. citizens automatically gain citizenship upon entering the U.S. as permanent residents.

Apply here: Adoption Process 

12. Special Legal Provisions

Some individuals may qualify for citizenship under special provisions, such as the U visa for victims of crime or the registry for those who have lived in the U.S. since 1972.

Common requirements for U.S. citizenship 

Regardless of the pathway, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have continuous residence for 3 to 5 years as a Green Card holder, and be physically present in the U.S. for 18 to 30 months, depending on their specific situation.

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate good moral character, pass an English and civics test, and take the Oath of Allegiance.

The road to U.S. citizenship in 2025 involves multiple options, each with its own challenges. Understanding the requirements of each pathway is essential for anyone seeking permanent residency or citizenship in the United States.

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