United States President Donald Trump has introduced a new visa screening policy that could affect applicants from Nigeria and several other countries seeking entry into America.
Under the new directive, non-immigrant visa applicants will now be required to verbally state during interviews that they do not fear returning to their home country and do not intend to seek asylum in the United States.
The policy was reportedly communicated to American embassies through an official instruction from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Consular officers have been directed to ask applicants whether they have suffered harm in their country or fear mistreatment if they return home.
Applicants must answer “no” to both questions before visa issuance can proceed.
The move follows recent legal battles over immigration restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border, where a federal appeals court ruled against previous efforts to block asylum seekers.
Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has continued to push tougher immigration measures, focusing on reducing refugee admissions and tightening asylum procedures.
The latest rule is expected to generate reactions globally, especially in countries with high numbers of U.S. visa applicants such as Nigeria.
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