In a recent announcement, the United States government has conveyed a tough stance on Nigerians who exceed their visa durations, warning that overstaying may trigger deportation and a permanent ban on future travel to the country. This move aligns with the US administration’s broader immigration enforcement policies under President Donald Trump.
The US diplomatic mission in Nigeria issued the alert on its social media platform, cautioning that any individual found remaining beyond their authorized stay “could be deported and could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States in the future.”
Following this, the US updated its visa reciprocity regulations for Nigerian nationals, restricting non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas to a maximum of three single-entry visits, each valid for three months. This policy adjustment cites key reasons such as reciprocity principles, a history of visa overstays, national security concerns, and issues involving fraudulent documents.
Additionally, a $250 integrity fee now accompanies student, worker, and tourist visa applications. Other fees include a $24 I-94 arrival/departure form issuance charge and a $13 fee for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program via the ESTA system. These levies affect B-1/B-2, F, M, H-1B, and J visa categories, with exemptions only for diplomatic applicants in A and G categories.
In a related security tightening, the US demands visa applicants for certain categories to list and open their social media profiles to public access to facilitate background checks. The embassy reiterated, “Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” emphasizing the connection between visa issuance and security screening.
During President Trump’s administration, the US has executed numerous executive directives aimed at enforcing strict entry and removal protocols for immigrants considered a security risk or who violate immigration laws while in the country.