- the policy is designed to reduce cases of migrants remaining in the country unlawfully after their residency requests are denied
- USCIS stated that only exceptional cases would qualify for exemptions from the requirement
United States has introduced a new immigration policy requiring Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking permanent residency to return to their home countries to complete green card applications.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the announcement was made on Friday by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which said the move is intended to restore the original framework of American immigration laws.
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According to USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler, the policy is designed to reduce cases of migrants remaining in the country unlawfully after their residency requests are denied.
Under the new directive, foreign nationals applying to adjust their immigration status will generally be expected to process their applications through US embassies and consulates in their countries of origin, supervised by the US Department of State.
USCIS stated that only exceptional cases would qualify for exemptions from the requirement.
“We are returning to the original intent of immigration law by ensuring applicants follow the proper process,” the agency said, adding that individuals staying temporarily in the United States and seeking permanent residency would now need to apply from their home countries.
The policy is expected to affect holders of nonimmigrant visas, including students, tourists and temporary workers.
USCIS noted that such visa categories are intended for short-term stays tied to specific purposes and should not automatically serve as a pathway to permanent residency applications.
The agency also said shifting residency processing abroad would allow it to redirect resources toward other immigration services, including applications involving victims of violent crimes, human trafficking cases, naturalisation requests and related matters.
According to USCIS, the measure would help improve efficiency and strengthen fairness within the immigration system.
The latest policy follows earlier restrictions introduced by the administration.
In December 2025, green card and citizenship applications involving Nigerians and nationals of some other countries affected by the US travel ban were temporarily suspended, according to CBS News.
The suspension affected legal immigration applications handled by USCIS, particularly involving immigrants from selected African and Asian countries, many of whom were already living legally in the United States while seeking permanent residency or citizenship.
The administration had also directed USCIS to freeze immigration petitions, including green card and naturalisation applications, involving nationals from 19 countries listed under the travel restrictions announced in June.
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