President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation further restricting entry to the United States for nationals from countries deemed high-risk due to severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing.
Nigeria is among the 15 countries newly subject to partial restrictions.
The proclamation maintains full restrictions on nationals from 12 original high-risk countries, including Afghanistan, Burma, and Iran.
It also added full restrictions on five more countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria, as well as individuals holding Palestinian-Authority-issued travel documents.
Additionally, 15 countries, including Nigeria, are subject to partial restrictions, affecting immigrant visas and certain nonimmigrant categories.
Exceptions include lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and individuals serving U.S. national interests.
The White House cited “widespread corruption, fraudulent documents, and nonexistent birth-registration systems” as challenges in these countries, emphasizing the need to protect U.S. national security and public safety.