The United States may revoke the tourist and business visas of up to 200,000 foreign nationals who have applied for asylum after entering the country.

The Trump administration is considering the move as part of its wider immigration crackdown. The Associated Press reported the plan after reviewing State Department documents and speaking with two U.S. officials.

If the administration proceeds, the action could become the largest mass visa revocation in U.S. history. The State Department could start notifying affected visa holders in the coming weeks.

Who could lose their visas?

The proposed policy focuses on people who hold B1 or B2 visas and later applied for asylum in the United States.

B1 visas generally cover business travel. B2 visas cover tourism, family visits and medical treatment.

The proposed review would cover B1 and B2 visas issued from 2016 through 2026. U.S. authorities are working to identify visa holders who entered the country as temporary visitors and later filed asylum applications.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed the coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. He did not give a final figure for the number of visas that officials could revoke.

Pigott said officials would handle the reviews on a rolling basis. As a result, the final number could change.

Visa cancellation may not mean immediate deportation

Losing a B1 or B2 visa would not automatically lead to immediate deportation.

U.S. officials told the Associated Press that some people could continue their pending asylum cases under another immigration status. They would, however, lose their classification as business or tourist visitors.

The proposal has also drawn criticism from asylum advocates and could face legal challenges if the administration implements it.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has criticised people who enter the United States on temporary visas and later seek asylum. He has argued that people should not use asylum claims to avoid normal immigration rules.

Part of wider immigration enforcement

The visa proposal follows a broader increase in U.S. immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.

The State Department says it has revoked about 175,000 visas over the past 18 months. Those cases involved people convicted or accused of offences such as drunken driving, rape and robbery.

Officials have also cancelled some visas after holders publicly criticised U.S. policies.

The administration has separately pursued restrictions on birth tourism. It has also sought to end birthright citizenship. Courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have blocked those efforts.

Possible impact on Nigerians

The policy could attract attention in Nigeria because many Nigerians travel to the United States for business, tourism, family visits and investment.

Visa changes can also affect people involved in cross-border business. This includes real estate investors, property developers and professionals who work between Nigeria and the United States.

For Nigeria’s housing sector, international mobility can support diaspora investment and business partnerships. Changes to U.S. immigration rules could therefore matter to Nigerians planning property purchases, investments or other commercial activities in the United States.

The issue also highlights the importance of understanding the conditions attached to temporary visas. Visitors who enter the United States must comply with the terms of their immigration status.

US continues to tighten immigration rules

The State Department documents show that the latest review began after immigration authorities shared information about asylum applications filed by current B1 and B2 visa holders.

The administration has also increased efforts to remove migrants to countries other than their countries of origin. A February 2026 report cited by Nairametrics said Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee estimated that the U.S. government had spent more than $40 million to deport about 300 migrants to third countries.

Those transfers involved countries such as Rwanda, Palau, Eswatini, El Salvador and Equatorial Guinea. The report said Rwanda received seven deportees at a cost of about $1.1 million per person.

The proposed visa revocations remain under review. The U.S. government has not confirmed that it will cancel exactly 200,000 visas.

For international travellers, the development signals a stricter approach to visa enforcement. Nigerians and other foreign nationals who plan to travel, invest or conduct business in the United States will need to pay close attention to changes in U.S. immigration rules.

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The United States has proposed additional tariffs of 12.5 per cent on imports from Nigeria and seven other African countries over concerns that they have failed to adequately prevent the importation of goods produced through forced labour.

The proposed measure was announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) following investigations conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

If approved, the tariffs would apply to imports from Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and South Africa, potentially affecting trade flows between the United States and Africa.

According to U.S. authorities, 54 of the 60 economies reviewed were found to have failed to establish or effectively enforce restrictions on goods produced with forced labour. These countries have therefore been recommended for an additional 12.5 per cent tariff.

The proposal remains subject to a public consultation process. Written comments will be accepted until July 6, after which hearings will be conducted before a final decision is reached.

Unlike previous trade measures that focused primarily on trade deficits and reciprocal market access, the latest proposal is centred on labour standards, supply-chain transparency and regulatory enforcement.

The USTR argued that countries allowing forced labour-produced goods to circulate through global supply chains gain unfair cost advantages that undermine fair competition and disadvantage American workers.

Officials said the review assessed whether countries had effective legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms capable of preventing imports linked to forced labour.

Following the investigation, the United States concluded that the eight African countries identified had either insufficient legal protections or inadequate enforcement of existing regulations, placing them among economies facing the proposed tariff increase.

The recommendation exceeds the 10 per cent baseline tariff associated with broader reciprocal trade policies previously introduced under the administration of President Donald Trump.

Countries that have already implemented strict forced-labour import controls or entered into labour-related trade commitments with the United States are expected to face lower tariff exposure under the framework.

For African exporters, the proposal could have significant implications. The United States remains an important export destination for agricultural products, manufactured goods, minerals and industrial commodities from across the continent.

Analysts warn that higher tariffs could increase export costs, reduce competitiveness and create new challenges for businesses seeking access to the American market.

Nigeria and South Africa, Africa’s two largest economies, may face heightened scrutiny if the proposal advances, particularly in sectors dependent on exports to the United States.

Industry stakeholders say affected businesses may need to strengthen supply-chain monitoring systems, labour compliance procedures and transparency reporting to remain competitive in global markets.

The proposal also reflects a growing global shift toward ethical sourcing, labour rights protection and supply-chain accountability, with governments and multinational corporations increasingly incorporating these standards into trade and procurement decisions.

Although the measure has not yet been finalised, trade experts believe it sends a strong signal that future market access may increasingly depend on labour governance, transparency and compliance with international standards.

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United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has disclosed that President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Nigerian Christians allegedly targeted by ISIS-linked terrorist groups.

Hegseth made the revelation during a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, stating that Trump issued the directive about a year ago after receiving reports of attacks against Christians in Nigeria.

“Maybe a year ago, he heard the call of Nigerian Christians who were being targeted and killed by ISIS in Nigeria, and he said, ‘Pete, I want the War Department to focus on ensuring that we do everything we can to protect those Christians,’” Hegseth stated.

According to him, the operation involved strategic military coordination, intelligence gathering, and deployment of specialised assets to the region.

The US official further disclosed that the operation led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s second-in-command in Nigeria and a key figure allegedly linked to attacks on Christians and threats against US interests.

“And we got the assets there, and over the last month, and there hasn’t been much coverage of this, we killed ISIS number two in Nigeria, who’s most responsible for killing Christians and trying to target the US homeland,” Hegseth said.

He explained that intelligence gathered during the operation subsequently led to the elimination of several other ISIS fighters operating within the Lake Chad Basin region through joint efforts involving US and Nigerian forces.

“And have since, because of the intel we gathered, killed hundreds of ISIS members who were targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria,” he added.

Hegseth noted that the operation demonstrated the Trump administration’s commitment to counterterrorism operations and the protection of vulnerable communities facing extremist violence.

“So there are a lot of things we do that the media pays attention to, and a lot of things that the president empowers the department to do on behalf of the American people that he deserves great credit for,” he stated.

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Global attention turned to business and political leadership as Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and United States President Donald Trump secured spots on the prestigious TIME 100 Most Influential People 2026.

The list, released on April 15 by TIME Magazine, recognises individuals shaping global conversations across politics, business, technology, and culture.

Dangote, who was listed in the Titans category, emerged as the only Nigerian on the 2026 ranking. His inclusion highlights the growing global relevance of African enterprise and leadership on the world stage.

Other global figures named on the list include Xi Jinping, Benjamin Netanyahu, Mark Carney, and Pope Leo XIV, alongside tech leaders like Sundar Pichai and Neal Mohan.

For Dangote, this marks a return to the TIME100 list more than a decade after his first recognition in 2014, reinforcing his sustained influence in global business and philanthropy.

As founder of the Dangote Group, he has led large-scale investments across cement production, sugar refining, fertiliser manufacturing, and energy—efforts that have significantly reduced import dependence while boosting local production capacity across Africa.

TIME, in its citation, highlighted Dangote’s long-term vision of building globally competitive industries powered by African resources, noting that his investments continue to play a central role in shaping the continent’s economic future.

Beyond business, Dangote’s philanthropic footprint through the Aliko Dangote Foundation has strengthened healthcare, education, nutrition, and disaster relief efforts across several African countries.

The recognition also comes at a time when the Dangote Group is advancing its Vision 2030 strategy, an ambitious roadmap aimed at scaling the conglomerate into a $100 billion global enterprise. The plan includes expansion into key sectors such as steel, power generation, and deep-sea port development to address industrial gaps across the continent.

Meanwhile, Trump’s inclusion reflects his continued influence on global politics and policy, particularly within the United States and beyond.

The 2026 TIME100 list also featured notable African figures, including Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Precious Matsoso, signalling broader continental representation across governance, health, and social impact.

With Dangote standing out in industrial scale and enterprise, the latest recognition underscores the rising influence of African leaders in shaping global economic and policy conversations.

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After more than a month of disruption that rattled global energy markets and drove fuel prices upward, Iran has agreed to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz under a conditional ceasefire arrangement involving the United States and its allies.

The breakthrough followed diplomatic intervention led by Shehbaz Sharif, whose mediation efforts helped secure a temporary truce between Tehran and Washington, easing tensions in one of the world’s most volatile geopolitical flashpoints.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, remains one of the most critical global energy corridors, accounting for roughly a quarter of seaborne oil trade and about 20 percent of liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments annually. Its closure had triggered widespread concern across international markets.

Announcing the development, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said Tehran would allow safe passage through the strait for an initial period of two weeks, subject to coordination with Iran’s armed forces and operational considerations.

The decision came after U.S. President Donald Trump accepted a two-week ceasefire proposal, stepping back from earlier threats of military escalation. Trump had previously issued a deadline demanding the reopening of the waterway, warning of severe consequences if Iran failed to comply.

In a statement, Araghchi explained that Iran’s agreement was contingent on a halt to attacks by the United States and Israel, noting that Tehran would “suspend defensive operations” only if hostilities ceased.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, however, cautioned that the ceasefire does not signal the end of the conflict, stressing that a lasting resolution would depend on the acceptance of conditions outlined in a 10-point proposal submitted to the United States.

“The agreement does not mark the end of the war,” the council stated, adding that final terms must be negotiated before a permanent settlement can be reached.

Confirming the development, Trump said the ceasefire was the result of high-level engagements involving Pakistani military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir, and emphasised that the move would create room for concluding a long-term peace agreement.

According to him, both sides had already made significant progress on key areas of contention, with the temporary truce designed to allow for the finalisation of negotiations.

Pakistan’s prime minister subsequently declared the ceasefire effective immediately, noting that it would apply across multiple theatres of conflict, including Lebanon, where tensions had also escalated.

Formal negotiations are expected to commence in Islamabad, signalling a new phase of diplomatic engagement aimed at stabilising the region and preventing further disruption to global energy supply chains.

As of the time of filing this report, Israel had yet to issue an official response to the ceasefire arrangement, leaving some uncertainty over the durability of the agreement.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has said the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran could end soon, seeking to reassure global markets rattled by rising oil prices and escalating tensions across the Middle East.

Speaking during a press briefing, Trump described the military campaign as nearing completion and suggested the situation may stabilise shortly, despite continued hostilities in the region.

“We’re very far ahead of schedule. It’s going to be over soon,” Trump said while addressing reporters.

Markets react to war fears

The conflict has triggered sharp volatility in global financial markets. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, the highest level since the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, as concerns mounted over disruptions to global energy supply.

However, prices later declined after Trump’s comments raised expectations that the war might end sooner than anticipated. Brent crude fell sharply while global stock markets began recovering from earlier losses.

Asian markets, including major indexes in Tokyo and Seoul, recorded gains after investors reacted positively to signs of possible de-escalation.

Strait of Hormuz crisis raises global concern

The conflict has also intensified concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

Nearly 20 percent of global oil supply passes through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a major risk for global energy markets and international trade.

Iranian forces have reportedly targeted regional infrastructure and launched missile attacks across parts of the Middle East as tensions escalate.

Energy analysts warn that prolonged instability around the Gulf could trigger wider economic consequences if oil shipments remain disrupted.

Iran pushes back

Despite Trump’s optimistic outlook, Iranian officials insist they will decide when the conflict ends.

Leaders within Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have vowed to continue resisting U.S. and allied operations, warning that Tehran will not allow oil exports from the region if military strikes continue.

The conflict has already expanded across multiple fronts in the Middle East, increasing fears of a broader regional war involving several countries.

Global economy on edge

Experts say financial markets will continue to react sharply to developments in the conflict, particularly those affecting oil supply routes and regional security.

While Trump’s remarks have eased short-term fears among investors, analysts caution that geopolitical tensions remain high and the outlook for global energy markets is still uncertain.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has lashed out at the Supreme Court of the United States after it struck down his sweeping global tariffs in a landmark 6–3 decision.

Speaking at the White House shortly after the ruling, Trump accused the justices of lacking courage and suggested some were influenced by foreign interests. He said he was “ashamed” of members of the court who voted against his trade measures.

Court Blocks Use of Emergency Powers

The ruling rejected Trump’s attempt to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), stating that the law does not grant the president unlimited authority to reshape global trade without clear congressional approval.

Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said the Constitution requires explicit authorisation from Congress before such sweeping economic powers can be exercised.

“The President asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope. He must identify clear congressional authorisation to exercise it,” Roberts wrote.

The majority included Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, both appointed by Trump during his first term.

Trump Responds With New Tariff Plan

In response, Trump announced a fresh 10 percent global tariff and pledged to maintain several existing tariffs under alternative statutory authorities.

He insisted he did not need additional congressional approval to proceed.

“I don’t need to, it’s already been approved,” Trump said when asked if he would seek legislative backing.

The invalidated tariffs had targeted imports from Canada, China, Mexico, and dozens of other trading partners. While sector-specific tariffs on steel and aluminium remain unaffected, the ruling dismantles a central pillar of Trump’s second-term trade policy.

Economic and Legal Impact

The decision is expected to trigger refund claims from companies seeking reimbursement for billions paid under the voided tariffs. U.S. media reports indicate that major firms, including Costco and Toyota-affiliated companies, had already initiated legal preparations ahead of the verdict.

Legal analysts describe the judgment as a significant reaffirmation of congressional authority over trade policy and a clear boundary on executive emergency powers.

Despite a conservative majority on the bench, the ruling signals judicial concern over repeated reliance on emergency declarations to advance broad economic strategies.

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The United States government has announced plans to freeze visa processing for nationals of Nigeria and 74 other countries over concerns that applicants from the affected nations are likely to depend on welfare and public benefits.

According to the US State Department, the pause will take effect from January 21, 2026, and will remain in force indefinitely while a comprehensive reassessment of immigrant visa screening and vetting procedures is carried out.

A State Department memo, first reported by Fox News Digital, revealed that the decision will affect visa applicants from countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America. In addition to Nigeria, countries listed include Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil and Thailand.

The directive instructs US embassies and consular officers to refuse visas under existing “public charge” provisions of US immigration law while the reassessment is ongoing.

President Donald Trump had earlier in the year published data on welfare dependency rates among immigrant households, noting that about 33.3 per cent of Nigerian immigrant households reportedly received some form of public assistance in the United States.

Under the new guidance, consular officers are empowered to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to rely on government support. This includes older applicants, those considered overweight, and individuals with a history of receiving cash assistance or undergoing institutionalisation.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” a State Department spokesperson, Tommy Piggott, said in a statement.

“Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits,” he added.

In November 2025, a State Department cable circulated to diplomatic posts worldwide had already directed consular officers to enforce stricter screening rules under the “public charge” provision. The guidance instructed officers to assess a wide range of factors, including applicants’ health status, age, English language proficiency, financial capacity and potential need for long-term medical care.

While the public charge provision has existed in US immigration law for decades, its enforcement has varied across administrations, with consular officers historically given broad discretion. However, in 2019, President Trump expanded the definition to include a wider range of public benefits, tightening admissibility standards for immigrants.

The latest move signals a renewed push by the US administration to strictly enforce immigration rules linked to welfare dependence, with Nigerian applicants now among those facing heightened scrutiny.

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The United States has begun a sweeping withdrawal from dozens of international organisations following a directive issued by President Donald Trump, marking one of the most significant shifts in U.S. multilateral engagement in recent years.

In a presidential memorandum signed on Wednesday, Trump ordered all federal departments and agencies to immediately cease participation in, and funding for, 66 international organisations, including several United Nations agencies and non-UN bodies. The White House said the decision followed an extensive review of U.S. involvement in global institutions.

According to an official fact sheet released by the administration, the affected organisations were identified as entities that no longer align with American national interests, security priorities or economic objectives. The pullout affects 31 UN-linked bodies and 35 other international organisations.

Administration Cites Sovereignty and Cost Concerns

The White House said the decision is aimed at protecting U.S. sovereignty and ensuring that taxpayer funds are not channelled into institutions deemed ineffective or hostile to American policy positions.

Officials argued that many of the organisations promote agendas that conflict with U.S. economic strength, security interests or domestic priorities, while offering limited tangible benefits despite years of financial support.

The administration also accused some of the bodies of advancing global policy frameworks that, in its view, undermine national independence and impose regulatory or ideological standards on member states.

Climate, Human Rights, Health Agencies Affected

Among the organisations impacted are several involved in climate policy, environmental governance and international development. These include bodies linked to global climate coordination, public health initiatives, peacebuilding efforts and human rights advocacy.

The White House said U.S. participation in such institutions has often resulted in policy disagreements, criticism of American domestic decisions and limited accountability for how funds are utilised.

While specific funding figures were not disclosed, officials said billions of dollars have been committed over time with minimal measurable returns, prompting a reassessment of U.S. involvement.

Continuation of Trump’s ‘America First’ Agenda

The latest withdrawals build on earlier decisions taken since Trump’s return to office. Within days of resuming the presidency, he initiated the U.S. exit from the World Health Organization and reaffirmed the country’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.

The administration has also challenged international tax coordination efforts, notifying global economic bodies that multilateral tax arrangements would not be enforced within the United States. Reviews were further ordered to assess whether foreign tax policies unfairly disadvantage American companies.

In addition, Trump has previously approved the U.S. withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council and ended future funding for the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees.

Global Reaction and Policy Implications

The decision is expected to generate strong reactions from international partners, particularly as many of the affected organisations play key roles in global coordination on health, climate change, humanitarian assistance and conflict prevention.

Supporters of the move argue that it reinforces national autonomy and allows the U.S. to redirect resources toward domestic priorities such as infrastructure development, border security and military readiness.

Critics, however, warn that reduced engagement could weaken global cooperation, diminish U.S. influence on international norms and create leadership gaps in multilateral institutions.

As the withdrawals take effect, analysts say the move signals a deeper recalibration of U.S. foreign policy, with Washington increasingly favouring bilateral arrangements and domestic-focused strategies over multilateral frameworks.

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The global real estate market reacted sharply on Wednesday following a policy signal from United States President Donald Trump indicating plans to restrict large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes — a move that has reignited debates around housing affordability and market stability.

Trump, speaking via his official social media platform, said the proposal is aimed at restoring access to homeownership for ordinary Americans, particularly young families and first-time buyers who have increasingly been priced out of the market.

He blamed rising inflation and speculative investment activity for pushing housing costs beyond the reach of average earners.

According to the proposal, institutional investors — including private equity firms and large housing funds — would be barred from acquiring single-family residential properties. Trump said he intends to work with lawmakers to push the policy through Congress, framing housing affordability as a key economic priority ahead of 2026.

Markets React as Property Stocks Slide

The announcement triggered an immediate reaction across financial markets, with housing-linked stocks coming under pressure. Shares of Opendoor Technologies, a major digital real estate platform, fell by about 10 per cent as investors assessed the potential impact of tighter regulations on housing transactions.

Analysts said the market response reflects concerns that restrictions on institutional buyers could reduce liquidity in the housing market and disrupt existing business models that rely on high transaction volumes.

Despite the sell-off, some market watchers argue that the policy could rebalance demand over the long term, easing competition for individual buyers in overheated housing markets.

Industry Voices Split on Policy Direction

Interestingly, Opendoor’s leadership welcomed the policy discussion. The company’s chief executive officer stated that homes should primarily serve families and communities rather than long-term speculative investment portfolios.

He clarified that Opendoor does not operate as a traditional institutional landlord, noting that the company facilitates property transactions rather than holding residential assets for extended periods.

Housing policy experts say the proposal highlights a growing global conversation about the role of institutional capital in residential real estate, particularly in cities where supply shortages have driven prices sharply higher.

Broader Implications for Global Housing Markets

Beyond the United States, the announcement is being closely watched by investors and policymakers worldwide. Institutional investment has become a significant force in residential property markets across Europe, Asia and emerging economies, including parts of Africa.

Supporters of Trump’s proposal argue that limiting large-scale investors could help stabilise prices and improve access to homeownership. Critics, however, warn that reduced institutional participation could slow housing development, restrict financing options and increase transaction costs.

As the debate unfolds, real estate stocks are expected to remain sensitive to policy signals, with investors closely monitoring how governments balance affordability goals against market efficiency.

For global housing markets already navigating high interest rates, inflationary pressures and supply constraints, the renewed focus on regulation underscores how political decisions continue to shape real estate investment trends.

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