WASHINGTON, D.C. —

The United States government has announced a major immigration policy shift requiring Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking permanent residency through Green Cards to return to their home countries to complete the application process.

The new directive was disclosed in a statement issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services on Friday, as part of efforts to restore what the agency described as the “original intent” of U.S. immigration law.

According to the statement, foreigners currently residing temporarily in the United States — including students, tourists, and temporary workers — will generally no longer be allowed to adjust their immigration status from within the country except under extraordinary circumstances.

Speaking on the development, Zach Kahler said the policy aims 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. 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,” Kahler stated.

The agency explained that Green Card applications would now largely be processed through U.S. consular offices abroad under the supervision of the United States Department of State.

According to USCIS, the move is designed to strengthen immigration compliance and discourage individuals from overstaying temporary visas after residency denials.

“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. Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process,” the statement added.

The policy is expected to affect thousands of foreign nationals already residing legally in the United States who are seeking permanent residency or citizenship adjustments.

The agency further noted that the changes would allow immigration authorities to focus more resources on cases involving victims of violent crimes, human trafficking survivors, naturalisation requests, and other critical immigration services.

The latest directive comes amid broader immigration restrictions introduced under the administration of Donald Trump.

Reports indicate that in December 2025, immigration authorities temporarily suspended the processing of Green Card and citizenship applications involving Nigerians and nationals from several African and Asian countries linked to the U.S. travel ban policy.

The suspension reportedly affected individuals already living legally in the United States and seeking to regularise or upgrade their immigration status.

Immigration analysts say the new policy could significantly impact international students, temporary workers, and families hoping to transition into permanent residency while already living in the United States.

For many Nigerians aspiring to relocate permanently, the announcement introduces fresh uncertainty into an already complex immigration system.