10 African Countries Affected as President Donald Trump Orders Comprehensive Green Card Review | Full List

Trump orders full Green Card Review, placing 10 African countries under heightened scrutiny.

The immigration landscape between Africa and the United States has entered a new phase of uncertainty following President Donald Trump’s latest directive ordering a comprehensive review of all U.S. Green Card vetting procedures. The policy shift has wide-ranging implications for immigrants, families, and governments across the African continent, raising concerns about stalled applications and tougher scrutiny for thousands hoping to migrate legally to the United States. The announcement comes after a high-profile security incident involving two members of the D.C. National Guard, which immediately triggered a debate on national security, vetting standards, and the legacy of previous immigration policies. With the new order, the Trump administration has initiated what officials are calling a “full-scale re-examination” of green cards issued to nationals of designated “countries of concern.”
For many African immigrants, especially skilled workers, students, and families who rely on the U.S. immigration system, this directive introduces fresh uncertainty and raises questions about long-term plans already in motion.

What Triggered the Green Card Review?
The urgent directive followed the shooting of two National Guard service members near the White House. The attacker, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was an Afghan national who reportedly entered the United States through Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden-era immigration pathway created in 2021 for Afghans fleeing Taliban rule. The shooting resulted in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, while Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition. The incident has since sparked intense political and public debate over whether previous administration policies adequately screened individuals who entered through humanitarian programs.
Following the attack, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow announced on X (formerly Twitter) that President Trump had ordered a “rigorous re-examination of every green card for every alien from every country of concern.”
Edlow emphasized that protecting American citizens remains the government’s top priority and stated that the United States would “not bear the cost of the prior administration’s reckless resettlement policies.”

What the New Immigration Directive Means
Under this new order, USCIS now has expanded authority to:

• Apply negative, country-specific factors when evaluating Green Card applications
• Reassess previously issued Green Cards from designated countries
• Increase the documentation burden on applicants
• Extend processing timelines
• Issue more Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs)
• Deny applications based on heightened security concerns

The revised policy applies to:

• All pending Green Card applications
• Any application submitted on or after November 27, 2025

Immigration experts say the directive effectively gives USCIS officers broader discretionary powers, which could mean more delays and stricter decision-making criteria for applicants from affected countries.

Impact on African Migrants and Families
The United States remains one of the top destinations for African migrants seeking:

• Higher education
• Employment opportunities
• Family reunification
• Refugee and humanitarian support
• Permanent residency for long-term career and business prospects

However, the new review could significantly alter these prospects.
1. Longer Processing Times
African applicants, especially from countries already facing strict vetting, may experience prolonged backlogs, increasing uncertainty around travel, work, and relocation plans.

2. Increased Chances of Denials
By allowing immigration officers to consider “negative country-specific factors,” the policy could result in higher rejection rates, especially for countries historically placed under U.S. security watchlists.

3. Family Separation Concerns
Thousands of families who have already been waiting years for visa approvals may face extended separation, adding emotional strain and financial pressure.

4. Economic Impact on Africa
Many African economies rely on:

• Remittances from diaspora communities
• Talent mobility
• International study migration

More barriers to U.S. immigration could reduce remittance inflows and limit opportunities for skilled African youths seeking global exposure.

5. Diplomatic Challenges for African Governments
Governments of affected nations may need to:

• Engage in direct diplomatic negotiations with Washington
• Improve security and identity management systems
• Address the political implications of being listed as “countries of concern.”

African Countries Named in the Green Card Review
Although the directive covers nationals from 19 global countries, ten are African nations. Many of these countries have previously been affected by travel restrictions or enhanced vetting procedures due to ongoing conflicts, governance issues, or security concerns.
Below is the full list of the affected African countries:
1. Burundi
Known for political instability and past civil unrest, Burundi’s inclusion aligns with previous U.S. concerns about documentation reliability.

2. Chad
Despite improvements in counterterrorism collaboration, Chad has previously appeared in U.S. security-related immigration restrictions.

3. Republic of the Congo
Political tensions and governance issues have placed Congo on several international watchlists, influencing the U.S. decision.

4. Equatorial Guinea
Concerns around corruption, human rights, and opaque governance structures contribute to its listing.

5. Eritrea
Eritrea has long been under U.S. immigration scrutiny due to military conscription policies and limited diplomatic cooperation.

6. Libya
Still recovering from prolonged conflict and militia violence, Libya remains a high-risk country in global security assessments.

7. Sierra Leone
Although relatively stable today, historical documentation and identity-verification issues remain concerns for U.S. immigration authorities.

8. Somalia
Somalia is consistently listed in global security alerts, mainly due to the presence of extremist groups and ongoing internal conflict.

9. Sudan
After years of civil strife and political transition, Sudan continues to appear on various restricted lists due to instability.

10. Togo
Political tensions and leadership controversies have created recurring concerns regarding transparency and governance.

Broader Implications for African Migration to the U.S.
A Shift in U.S.–Africa Immigration Relations
This directive signals a new phase in how the U.S. evaluates entry from African countries, especially under security-oriented immigration policies.
U.S. Remains an Attractive Destination
Despite the challenges, many African youths still see the U.S. as:

• A land of opportunity
• A top destination for advanced education
• A viable route for economic advancement
• Potential Rise in Irregular Migration

Experts warn that tougher legal pathways may push desperate migrants toward riskier alternatives, including irregular migration or unsafe travel routes.
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Conclusion
President Donald Trump’s order for a full-scale green card review has generated widespread concern across Africa, especially among individuals already in the U.S. immigration system. While the administration cites national security as the primary motivation, the directive’s ripple effects will be deeply felt by African families, students, workers, and governments.
As the policy unfolds, affected applicants are advised to:

• Stay updated through USCIS announcements
• Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate
• Seek legal guidance when necessary
• Prepare for extended processing periods

The coming months will reveal how the new measures reshape migration flows, diplomatic engagement, and long-term relations between Africa and the United States.


By Primelineinfo