US Stops Immigration And Citizenship Processing For 19 Countries Over Security Concerns

The US government has suspended the processing of immigration and citizenship applications for nationals of 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Yemen and Haiti, according to an internal memo made public on Tuesday, in what officials describe as a major escalation of its migration crackdown. The decision affects both green card and naturalisation applications for countries already facing travel restrictions announced by President Donald Trump in June. Other nations impacted include Venezuela, Sudan and Somalia. The memo pointed to growing security concerns following last week’s shooting that left one National Guard soldier dead and another injured. The prime suspect, identified as an Afghan national who entered the US during the 2021 evacuation after the Taliban takeover, pleaded not guilty to murder charges on Tuesday. US authorities said the pause is aimed at strengthening vetting procedures. The document stressed the role of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services in blocking potential security threats and ensuring that screening processes place American safety first, citing the recent attack as an example of the risks linked to rushed approvals. On November 26, Trump announced plans to “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the US system to fully recover.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also pushed for tougher action, calling for broader bans on more countries. “I just met with the President. I am recommending a full travel ban on every damn country that’s been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies.” In addition to the newly affected countries, existing travel restrictions already cover Burundi, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, Togo and Turkmenistan. Meanwhile, reports emerged of a planned large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota targeting Somali immigrants, a move that has sparked strong opposition from local leaders. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey insisted that the city’s support for the Somali community and all immigrants remains “rock solid and unwavering,” adding that state police would not cooperate with the operation.

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Trump Declares Venezuelan Airspace Completely Off-Limits Amid Escalating Tensions

US President Donald Trump has intensified Washington’s confrontation with Venezuela by announcing that the airspace around the country should now be treated as fully restricted. In a message he directed at “all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers,” he warned on Saturday that the airspace above and near Venezuela is “closed in its entirety.” Venezuelan officials have not yet issued a reaction. The declaration follows months of expanded US operations targeting what Washington describes as Venezuela-linked drug networks. American forces have carried out several deadly strikes on vessels accused of transporting narcotics, leaving many people dead. UN experts have condemned the attacks as extrajudicial killings. The fallout even led the United Kingdom to freeze intelligence cooperation with the US, with British officials saying they did not want to be involved in actions they believe fall outside the limits of their intelligence-sharing agreement. Trump also signaled on Thursday that the US might soon begin pursuing suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers on land. President Nicolas Maduro dismissed the warnings, insisting the country would not be bullied. Analysts say the pattern of US actions suggests more than a drug-control mission, arguing it could be part of a broader attempt to weaken or remove Maduro’s government. Trump has maintained a long-running campaign against the Venezuelan leader. In August, his administration increased the bounty for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, describing him as “one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world.” The reward, previously $25 million, has been raised to $50 million.

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US, Nigeria Agrees To Boost Security Collaboration With Intelligence Sharing And Military Support

The United States and the Federal Government of Nigeria have agreed to strengthen security cooperation, with commitments to expand intelligence sharing and provide military support for nationwide counter-terrorism and counter-extremism operations. The agreement follows a series of high-level meetings in Washington last week between senior Nigerian officials and key US Government agencies, aimed at deepening defence ties and exploring new areas of collaboration. The Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, met with officials from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of Defense. Other members included Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, said the meetings provided an opportunity to address misconceptions about Nigeria’s security situation, including claims of genocide, and to emphasize that violence affects multiple religious and ethnic communities. “The discussions allowed us to correct misconceptions, foster a solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforce mutual trust, and advance a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt,” Onanuga said. He added that the US has expressed willingness to provide complementary support, including humanitarian aid for affected populations and technical assistance to enhance early-warning systems. Both countries have agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate actions in priority areas. The Nigerian government also reiterated its commitment to improving civilian protection and addressing concerns around religious freedom and security. “The Federal Government recognizes the heightened sensitivities surrounding religious freedom and security and assures citizens that firm, urgent, and coordinated measures are being taken to safeguard the nation,” Onanuga concluded.

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Trump To Host Cristiano Ronaldo At White House Following Portugal’s World Cup Qualification

President Donald Trump is set to welcome Cristiano Ronaldo to the White House on Tuesday after Portugal secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese football legend, one of the biggest stars of the tournament, will visit as the United States, Canada, and Mexico prepare to co-host next year’s World Cup. There are also reports that a friendly match between Portugal and the U.S. men’s national team is being discussed as a warm-up ahead of the tournament. Trump has previously hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Oval Office, and now Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, will have his own audience with the president. Ronaldo had expressed interest in meeting Trump, and his request is being fulfilled. According to multiple White House officials, the visit is scheduled on the same day Trump is expected to meet Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It remains unclear whether the two meetings are connected, particularly as Ronaldo plays his club football in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr.

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Peter Obi Urges Dialogue After US Threatens Military Action Over Christian Killings

Peter Obi has called for diplomatic solutions after the United States designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and hinted at possible military action over attacks on Christians. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the former presidential candidate said: “The recent pronouncement by the US government declaring Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) and indicating possible military action should give every well-meaning Nigerian serious concern. Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented level of insecurity with shocking loss of lives and property. According to Amnesty International, over 10,000 people have been killed since May 2023. The unwarranted and unprovoked killing of Nigerians is most condemnable, and all efforts must be made to stop it.” Obi criticized the handling of the security crisis by the APC-led government, saying: “What is most unfortunate is the lack and absence of competence, commitment, prudent use of resources, patriotism, and passion on the part of APC-led leaders to effectively govern Nigeria where peace, truth, and justice reign.” He stressed that Nigeria and the US, as longstanding strategic partners, should focus on constructive engagement rather than conflict: “As democracies, Nigeria and the US have long been strategic partners committed to regional peace and security. Both countries must work together expeditiously to address the prevailing security concerns.” Obi’s remarks come after former US President Donald Trump warned of potential military intervention if the reported killings of Christians continue, highlighting the urgent need for effective governance and dialogue to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

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Portable Fires Warning at U.S., Says Invasion of Nigeria Would End in Disaster

Portable has fired back at former U.S. President Donald Trump’s warnings of potential military action against Nigeria over attacks on Christians. During a TikTok live session with a Nigerian-born U.S. soldier, the Zazuu Zeh artist cautioned that any attempt to invade Nigeria would be disastrous. He said, “If U.S. soldiers invade Nigeria, they won’t return home. Those Boko Haram members you hear about? They are fathers, brothers, and husbands. Many joined because of hunger.” Portable also claimed that some insurgent groups receive backing from elites both in Nigeria and abroad, highlighting that the fight against terrorism is far more complex than outsiders realize. The video quickly went viral, sparking a mix of serious discussions and humorous reactions on social media. Reiterating his warning, he added, “If U.S. soldiers invade Nigeria, they won’t go back home. Those Boko Haram members? They are people’s fathers, brothers, and husbands. Most of them joined because of hunger.” Portable’s heated reply to a US soldier sparks controversy as he warns against foreign intervention pic.twitter.com/hWevmO0pZw — NaijaWide Media (@Naijawide01) November 3, 2025

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Gumi Tells Tinubu To End Ties With US If Trump Fails To Withdraw War Threat

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged President Bola Tinubu to sever diplomatic relations with the United States if President Donald Trump does not withdraw his threat to launch military action against Nigeria. Trump had on Friday redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution of Christians. Hours later, he warned that “the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country ‘guns-a-blazing’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists killing Christians.” His comments were followed by a statement from US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, who revealed that his department was already preparing for possible military intervention if Nigeria failed to address what Washington described as “the killing of innocent Christians.” A group of right-wing American lawmakers, led by Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, has also continued to push the narrative of Christian persecution in Nigeria. In October, Cruz introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, a bill seeking sanctions against Nigerian officials accused of enabling attacks on Christians. Reacting on Sunday, Gumi described Trump’s remarks as a direct affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty and called on President Tinubu to issue a strong diplomatic response. “For Trump to threaten a sovereign country with military attack is a profound disrespect to our authority, but we can rise above it,” Gumi stated. He added, “President Tinubu should summon the US ambassador immediately. They must retract those threats, or we cut ties with this irresponsible regime. Nigeria has other options for economic cooperation and military partnership.”

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U.S. Cancels Visas Of Six Foreign Nationals Over Social Media Posts Celebrating Charlie Kirk’s Death

The U.S. State Department has canceled the visas of at least six foreign nationals after they posted messages on social media appearing to celebrate or justify the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In a statement on X, the Department said the United States “has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death upon Americans.” The posts came from users in South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, Germany, and Argentina — all of whom the Department declared “no longer welcome in the United States.” Among the posts flagged were comments such as: “Kirk devoted his entire life spreading racist, xenophobic, misogynistic rhetoric” and “deserves to burn in hell” from an Argentine national; “He died being a racist, he died being a misogynist…there are people who deserve to die” from a Mexican national; and “Charlie Kirk was the reason for a Nazi rally…DIED TOO LATE” from a Brazilian national. Other posts included: “When fascists die, democrats don’t complain” (German national) and “Charlie Kirk was a son of a b** and he died by his own rules” (Paraguayan national). The Department emphasized that U.S. officials, including the President and Secretary of State, will enforce immigration laws to protect citizens and culture, warning that anyone exploiting America’s hospitality while celebrating the killing of Americans will face removal.  

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