As many as 30 African countries could lose direct access to U.S. visa-processing services under a major restructuring plan being considered by President Donald Trump's administration, raising concerns about increased travel costs, longer wait times, and reduced access to the United States for millions of Africans.
According to an Associated Press report citing U.S. officials and an internal State Department memo, Washington plans to reduce the number of embassies and consulates handling visa applications across Africa from 50 to just 20 in the coming weeks.
If implemented, the move would force visa applicants in many African countries to travel abroad to attend interviews and complete application procedures, significantly increasing the financial and logistical burden of obtaining a U.S. visa.
The proposal marks the latest chapter in Trump's effort to tighten U.S. immigration controls.
Since returning to office, Trump has pursued a series of measures aimed at restricting illegal immigration, increasing deportations, and reshaping America's visa system, arguing that the policies are necessary to strengthen national security and improve immigration enforcement.
