Trump imposes U.S. entry restrictions on Nigeria, 23 other countries

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced an expansion of entry restrictions on foreign nationals from 24 countries, citing what his administration described as “persistent and severe deficiencies” in screening, vetting, and information-sharing that pose risks to U.S. national security and public safety.

The decision was outlined in a fact sheet published on the White House website titled “President Donald J. Trump Further Restricts and Limits the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”

The fact sheet emphasises that these measures “are necessary to prevent the entry of foreign nationals about whom the United States lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose” and to enforce immigration laws while protecting American citizens.

According to the document, the new Proclamation places a full suspension of entry on eight countries and partial restrictions on 16 others, affecting both immigrant and non-immigrant travellers. The affected visa categories include B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2 (business and tourism), as well as F, M, and J visas for students and exchange visitors.

The administration said the measures were aimed at preventing the entry of individuals for whom the United States lacks sufficient information to adequately assess security risks, while also strengthening enforcement of immigration laws.

Security Incident Fuels Policy Shift

The announcement follows heightened security concerns after two U.S. National Guard soldiers were shot near the White House in November. Authorities confirmed that one soldier was killed, while a suspect was arrested shortly after the incident.

In response, Trump said he would suspend migration from what he described as “third world countries,” a day after U.S. officials alleged that the shooting was carried out by an Afghan national. The comments marked a further escalation in Trump’s hardline immigration stance during his second term, which has been characterised by a mass deportation campaign.

U.S. officials later identified the suspect as a 29-year-old Afghan national who had previously worked alongside American forces in Afghanistan. According to AfghanEvac, an organisation that supports Afghans resettled in the U.S. after the Taliban takeover in 2021, the individual was granted asylum earlier this year but did not hold permanent residency.

Review of Green Card Holders

In the first week of December, the Trump administration also announced a review of the immigration status of all permanent residents, commonly known as Green Card holders, from Afghanistan and 18 other countries following the attack.

The review builds on a June executive order signed by Trump that classified 19 countries as “Countries of Identified Concern.” That order imposed entry bans on nearly all nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan.

The countries listed under the June ban include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Barely two weeks after the order, Trump also initiated plans to impose a general visa ban on Nigerian nationals.

Wider Visa Restrictions Considered

A report by The Washington Post revealed that an internal memo signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed visa restrictions or entry bans on up to 36 additional countries. The memo indicated that the affected nations were given a 60-day deadline to meet new U.S. State Department requirements or face possible travel restrictions.

However, reports indicate that the deadline elapsed in August 2025, with the new Proclamation only being issued four months later.

Understanding Full and Partial Restrictions

Under the Proclamation, full suspensions generally bar citizens of affected countries from entering the United States and halt the issuance of most new immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Limited exemptions may apply to lawful permanent residents, diplomats, and specific protected categories.

Partial restrictions, on the other hand, limit or suspend specific visa classes, such as tourist, student, or exchange visas. They may also involve stricter vetting procedures, reduced visa validity periods, and enhanced screening requirements before entry is granted.

Here are 24 affected countries

JUSTIFICATION FOR FULL SUSPENSION

Burkina Faso

According to the Department of State, terrorist organizations continue to plan and conduct terrorist activities throughout Burkina Faso. According to the Fiscal Year 2024, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report (“Overstay Report”), Burkina Faso had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 9.16 percent and a student (F), vocational (M), and exchange visitor (J) visa overstay rate of 22.95 percent. Additionally, Burkina Faso has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.

According to the Overstay Report, Laos had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 28.34 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 11.41 percent. According to the Fiscal Year 2023, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report (“2023 Overstay Report”), Laos had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 34.77 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 6.49 percent. Additionally, Laos has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals.

Mali

According to the Department of State, armed conflict between the Malian government and armed groups is common throughout the country. Terrorist organizations operate freely in certain areas of Mali.

Niger

According to the Department of State, terrorists and their supporters are active in planning kidnappings in Niger, and they may attack anywhere in the country. According to the Overstay Report, Niger had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 13.41 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 16.46 percent.

Sierra Leone

According to the Overstay Report, Sierra Leone had a B-1/B-2 overstay rate of 16.48 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.83 percent. According to the 2023 Overstay Report, Sierra Leone had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 15.43 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.83 percent. Additionally, Sierra Leone has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals.

South Sudan