Trump Directs Nigerians, Others Applying for Green Cards to Visit Home Countries

United States President Donald Trump has directed that Nigerians and other foreign nationals applying for green cards must return to their home countries to complete the application process, except in extraordinary circumstances.

The new immigration directive was disclosed on Friday by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

According to the agency, the policy is aimed at restoring what it described as the “original intent” of U.S. immigration law by ensuring applicants process residency applications through consular offices abroad under the supervision of the U.S. Department of State.

The statement explained that aliens seeking adjustment of status would no longer be allowed to complete the process within the United States in most cases.

“We’re returning to the original intent of the law… 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 agency said.

USCIS spokesperson, Zach Kahler, said the policy would help reduce cases of migrants remaining illegally in the country after unsuccessful applications.

He added that the system would now discourage what he described as loopholes that allow applicants to remain in the U.S. after denial of residency.

The policy is expected to affect temporary visa holders such as students, tourists and foreign workers who would now be required to return home for processing.

USCIS also said the change would allow it to focus more resources on cases involving victims of violent crimes, human trafficking, and naturalisation applications.

The agency maintained that the rule aligns with the original structure of immigration law and would make the system more efficient and fair.

The announcement follows earlier immigration restrictions, including a reported 2025 suspension of green card and citizenship processing for nationals from countries affected by U.S. travel restrictions.

That suspension reportedly impacted legal immigrants already residing in the United States who were seeking permanent residency or citizenship.