editor
The United States has suspended all routine visa services at its embassy in Niamey, Niger, indefinitely. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State confirmed the halt, which affects both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, citing unspecified “concerns with the Government of Niger.”
While diplomatic and official visas will continue to be processed, an internal State Department cable dated July 25 instructs consular officers worldwide to apply increased scrutiny to all visa applicants from Niger. The directive highlights high visa overstay rates—8 percent for visitor visas and 27 percent for student and exchange visas—as justification for the tightened measures.
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The U.S. Embassy has already informed all affected applicants of the suspension.
The move comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions. In September last year, the United States withdrew nearly 1,000 troops from Niger following an expulsion order issued by the country’s ruling military junta. The withdrawal marked a significant setback for U.S. strategic interests in West Africa, where Niger had previously served as a central counterterrorism ally.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to enforce hardline immigration policies. Thousands of visas have been revoked, social media vetting has expanded, and student visa and green card holders—particularly those perceived to support Palestinians—are reportedly being flagged as potential threats to U.S. foreign policy.
Senator Marco Rubio, a key figure behind these efforts at the State Department, stated that the measures are part of a broader initiative to safeguard national security.
