The US says it has paused visa processing at its embassy in Niger

The United States is suspending all routine visa services at the U.S. embassy in the Nigerien capital of Niamey until further notice, as stated by a State Department spokesperson and an internal cable from the State Department reviewed by Reuters on Saturday.

The cable dated July 25 did not specify a reason for the action; however, a spokesperson from the State Department indicated that the pause, affecting all immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, would remain until Washington resolved “concerns with the Government of Niger.”

The spokesperson refrained from offering additional information regarding the reason, but indicated that the majority of diplomatic and official visas were excluded from the pause.

“The Trump Administration is dedicated to safeguarding our nation and its citizens by maintaining the highest standards of national security and public safety within our visa process,” stated the Department spokesperson.

The diplomatic cable further directed consular officers at various visa processing locations to implement “heightened scrutiny” in evaluating non-immigrant visa applications from Nigerien nationals, noting that the overstay rates were 8 percent for visitor visas and 27 percent for student and exchange visas.

Consular managers ought to strive to minimize the occurrences of overstays by nonimmigrant visa holders in the United States, as stated in the cable, which further emphasized: “In this regard, particular vigilance is needed in adjudicating Nigerien NIV applicants.”

The spokesperson added that the U.S. embassy in Niamey has notified all affected individuals.

In line with his strict approach to immigration, President Donald Trump has initiated a nationwide effort to apprehend migrants residing in the country unlawfully and has pledged to deport millions, conducting raids at workplaces such as farms that had largely been shielded from enforcement during his initial term.

Officials from the Trump administration have stated that student visa and green card holders may face deportation due to their support for Palestinians and their criticism of Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict, labeling these actions as a threat to U.S. foreign policy and accusing them of being pro-Hamas.

In May, Rubio stated that the number of visas he has revoked was likely in the thousands. Under his leadership, the State Department implemented stricter social media vetting for U.S. visa applicants.

In September, the U.S. military announced the completion of its withdrawal from Niger, following an order from the ruling junta in April 2024 for Washington to remove its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the nation.

Washington faced an embarrassing setback following a coup last year in the West African nation. Prior to the coup, Niger served as an important ally in the U.S. efforts to combat insurgents in the Sahel region of Africa, where thousands have lost their lives and millions have been displaced.