President Donald Trump has introduced a new immigration screening policy requiring visa applicants from Nigeria and other countries to disclose whether they fear returning to their home countries or intend to seek asylum in the United States.
The policy was reportedly communicated through a diplomatic cable issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to U.S. embassies worldwide. Under the directive, consular officers must ask applicants whether they have suffered harm in their country or fear mistreatment if they return.
According to the guidance, applicants for non-immigrant visas must verbally answer “no” to both questions before officers can proceed with visa issuance. Those who answer otherwise, or decline to respond, could face visa denial.
The latest move comes days after a federal appeals court reportedly ruled against an earlier Trump administration effort that treated migrant arrivals at the U.S.-Mexico border as an “invasion” to restrict asylum access.
Critics say the new visa rule could discourage legitimate asylum seekers and force vulnerable applicants to choose between honesty and losing access to travel documents. Immigration advocates also argue that asylum rights under U.S. law generally allow individuals to seek protection after arriving in the country.
Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has pursued stricter immigration controls, including tighter refugee admissions, enhanced vetting and new visa restrictions affecting several countries, including Nigeria.
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