USCIS alleges Nigerian document fraud causes visa holds for applicants
USCIS Deputy Director Angelica Alfonso-Royals alleged in Rhode Island District Court that Nigerian documents lack credibility due to forgery, corruption, and poor record-keeping—citing delayed birth/death registrations and informal marriage/divorce records—as reason for adjudicative holds on visa applications from Nigeria and 38 other countries under Trump's 2025-2026 security proclamations.
This affects Nigerian students, workers, and families seeking US visas, creating uncertainty and potential delays as applications remain paused. The allegation implies applicants may face extra scrutiny during processing, though specific visa types affected and processing timelines weren't detailed in the court statement.
Applicants should ensure all documents are verifiable through official Nigerian channels, expect longer processing times, and monitor USCIS policy updates. The holds stem from national security proclamations, not solely document concerns, leaving many in limbo while awaiting resolution.