US Court Voids Visa Suspension Affecting Nigerians and 74 Other Countries
A US federal court has struck down a policy that suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from Nigeria and 74 other countries. US District Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the policy was unlawful and exceeded the authority of the Secretary of State. The measure, introduced in January 2026, had halted immigrant visa processing on the basis of nationality over concerns that applicants could become public charges. Immigrant rights groups and affected visa applicants challenged the restriction, arguing that it unlawfully blocked legal migration and family reunification. The ruling could reopen pathways for Nigerians applying through family sponsorship and other immigrant visa categories. The US State Department had not publicly responded at the time of the report, and the administration may still appeal the judgment.
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