In what could be a major shakeup for African – American immigration relations, the United States government is considering a new wave of travel restrictions, this time with Nigeria and 24 other African countries on the radar.
According to an exclusive Washington Post report, this move is being spearheaded by President Donald Trump’s administration, just days after the U.S. slapped fresh visa restrictions on seven African nations.
A confidential memo signed by U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio outlines a proposal that could lead to either strict visa sanctions or outright travel bans affecting up to 36 countries globally. The majority of the flagged nations 25 out of 36 are located in Africa, raising serious concerns about the U.S. – Africa diplomatic relations.
The memo, dated Saturday, introduces new immigration benchmarks that countries must meet within a tight 60-day window or face consequences. These include submitting credible identity documents, reducing visa overstays, and proving the presence of a stable civil documentation authority.
Countries unable to meet these new U.S. immigration standards may face a temporary or permanent visa ban, further complicating mobility and trade ties between Africa and the United States.
The African countries reportedly under review include:
Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
The 11 non-African countries on the same list are:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bhutan, Cambodia, Dominica, Kyrgyzstan, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Syria, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Why These Countries Were Flagged.
According to the memo, countries with unreliable civil records systems, high instances of immigration fraud, or a pattern of visa overstays by nationals were flagged. The U.S. also criticized governments that offer citizenship-for-sale schemes without requiring physical residency.
Another key requirement is for countries to cooperate in taking back their citizens deported from the U.S. The memo even hints at potential pressure to sign “Safe Third Country” agreements policies that shift asylum-seeking responsibilities to transit nations.
The memo requires affected governments to submit a comprehensive action plan by Wednesday, outlining steps to meet the new criteria. While the U.S. State Department has refused to comment, the White House has yet to issue an official statement.
If the travel ban moves forward, it could severely impact Nigerians seeking U.S. visas for study, work, or family reunification, as well as affect business and diplomatic engagement between Africa and the West.
Conclusion.
This looming travel restriction signals a clear shift in U.S. immigration policy, especially towards Africa. For Nigeria, Ghana, and other African nations with strong diaspora presence in the U.S., this could be a harsh wake-up call. As the 60-day window ticks, all eyes are on how these countries will respond, and whether diplomacy can bridge the growing gap.
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