The United States government has directed Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking permanent residency to return to their home countries to process their green card applications. The new policy was announced on Friday by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which said the move is aimed at restoring what it described as the original intent of US immigration laws.
According to USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler, the policy is expected to reduce the number of migrants who remain illegally in the United States after unsuccessful residency applications. “We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly,” Kahler said.
He explained that, except in extraordinary circumstances, foreigners seeking adjustment of status would now be required to complete their residency applications through US consular offices in their home countries under the supervision of the US Department of State. “From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances,” the statement added.
The policy is expected to affect temporary visitors such as students, tourists and workers who entered the United States on nonimmigrant visas. According to USCIS, nonimmigrant visas are intended for temporary purposes and should not automatically become the first step toward permanent residency.
“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the U.S. for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over,” the agency stated.
USCIS further explained that processing applications abroad would help the agency focus more resources on other immigration matters, including applications involving victims of violent crimes, human trafficking cases and naturalisation requests. “The law was written this way for a reason, and despite the fact that it has been ignored for years, following it will help make our system fairer and more efficient,” the statement said.
The announcement comes months after former US President Donald Trump reportedly suspended the processing of green card and citizenship applications involving Nigerians and nationals of several other countries affected by a US travel ban policy. According to reports, the suspension affected immigrants from selected African and Asian countries, including individuals already residing legally in the United States who were seeking permanent residency or citizenship.
The Trump administration had also directed USCIS to freeze immigration petitions from nationals of 19 countries covered under the travel restrictions announced in June 2025.
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