In a bold new push to tighten US immigration policy, the Trump administration is preparing to hit Nigeria and up to 35 other nations with sweeping visa restrictions.
A leaked internal memo reveals that these countries have just 60 days to comply with new US security and documentation requirements — or face serious travel bans.
The proposal, signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlines a tiered visa policy aimed at nations deemed non-compliant with America’s new border security benchmarks.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous country, is now listed among the nations in the so-called “yellow group,” meaning it’s at high risk of being banned if it fails to meet US demands.
Africa in the Crosshairs
Other African nations reportedly under review include Angola, Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Several smaller nations, such as Vanuatu, Tonga, and Saint Lucia, are also on the radar.
The memo accuses these countries of failing to provide reliable identity documentation, citing cases of government fraud and a lack of cooperation from central authorities.
This failure, US officials argue, poses a potential threat to American national security.
Red, Orange, Yellow: The New Visa Color Code
According to US officials, this crackdown is part of a broader framework to tighten entry protocols:
Red countries face a full visa ban.
Orange nations may see sharply limited visa access.
Yellow-list countries — including Nigeria — have 60 days to present a plan for compliance or risk escalation to orange or red status.
This new plan follows an earlier policy from March that didn’t include Nigeria, suggesting a significant escalation in the administration’s stance toward African nations.
Security or Strategy?
Critics argue that the move disproportionately targets developing nations and could damage diplomatic and economic ties.
Proponents, however, say it’s a necessary step to ensure tighter border control and safeguard US citizens.
As the deadline looms, all eyes are on Nigeria and the other affected countries.
Will they bend to Washington’s demands — or face a full-blown travel ban?