US Embassy Clarifies Reports of Visa Revocations in Nigeria
- The US Embassy in Nigeria has addressed reports of sudden visa cancellations affecting Nigerian students, professionals, and business travelers
- Officials confirmed that consular officers have the authority to revoke visas under the Immigration and Nationality Act whenever new information suggests ineligibility
- The move comes amid broader immigration changes by Washington, including stricter vetting processes and reduced visa validity for some African countries
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reacted to claims that visas previously issued to Nigerian citizens were being withdrawn without warning.
Reports earlier in the week suggested that a number of students, business professionals, and other travelers holding valid US visas had been contacted by the embassy and instructed to return their passports, after which their visas were cancelled without explanation.
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Many of those affected expressed confusion, noting that Nigeria was not on the list of countries under visa restrictions announced by Washington earlier in the year.
US embassy addresses visa cancellation claim
Responding to enquiries, a spokesperson for the US Embassy explained to BBC that visa revocation is within the authority of the embassy and consular officers under section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The official said the process was carried out strictly on the basis of new information that may suggest a visa holder is no longer eligible under the law.
According to the spokesperson:
“We use all the information we obtain to accomplish this on an unprecedented scale, in order to keep American borders secure and American communities safe."
The official added that under the current administration, the State Department has stepped up actions aimed at preventing any individual who could pose a risk to the United States from gaining entry.
Source: Twitter
The embassy stated that visas may be revoked if a foreign visitor overstays their permitted period, engages in unlawful conduct, provides support to terrorist groups, or otherwise breaches US law.
"The Trump Administration is protecting our nation and its citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process,” the statement read.
US goes tough on immigration policies
The United States has recently introduced stricter vetting measures for applicants, including mandatory checks of social media accounts.
In June, a Nigerian traveler was deported within hours of arrival after immigration officers reviewed her online messages. It remains uncertain if the latest cancellations are directly tied to online activity.
Some Nigerians who have held long-term visas confirmed that theirs remain valid. Nevertheless, the reports of sudden revocations have raised concerns within the traveling community, particularly among students preparing to begin academic programs in the United States.
The embassy’s response comes amid broader immigration changes by Washington, including a reduction in visa validity for several African countries.
In August, Nigerian visas for US citizens were cut to three months in what officials described as a reciprocal measure.
With these adjustments, many Nigerians continue to watch closely how US immigration policy may affect their plans in the months ahead.
37-year-old Nigerian man faces deportation
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian national previously convicted of sexual offenses against a Maryland minor has been arrested in Lanham by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Baltimore.
The 37-year-old was taken into custody on August 2 by deportation officers from ERO’s Criminal Apprehension Program outside his residence.
Source: Legit.ng
