Green card and citizenship applications from Nigerians are on hold. The ransom story won't help.

You probably know Nigeria is on Trump's travel ban list. What you may not know is that the consequences go further than entry restrictions.

The US has temporarily halted processing of green card and citizenship applications from Nigerians. People already lawfully living in the US, who were adjusting their immigration status or seeking citizenship, are now in limbo. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said the agency is conducting "a comprehensive review of anyone from anywhere who poses a threat."

The official justification cites Boko Haram activity and Nigeria's visa overstay rates. The AFP report breaking yesterday, confirming Nigeria secretly paid Boko Haram $7 million by helicopter, will not improve those optics in Washington. Expect it to be cited.

A Washington Post and ABC poll this week found 58% of Americans think Trump has gone too far on deportations. That's majority opinion. It hasn't changed policy yet.

Three things if you're affected. Valid visas remain valid. The freeze targets adjustment-of-status filings and naturalisation applications. Legal challenges are ongoing, but courts have been inconsistent in blocking Trump's immigration executive actions.

Don't wait on a court to save your case. Talk to an immigration lawyer now.