Nigerians living in the United States have weighed in on the recent visa restriction imposed by the U.S. government, saying the decision falls within the right of the Trump administration to act in the best interest of its citizens.
The new policy limits Nigerians applying for non-immigrant visas to single-entry permits valid for just three months.
This update, which took effect on July 8, was announced by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, sparking widespread reactions.
In response, the Nigerian government criticized the move, insisting that the claim of non-reciprocity was inaccurate.
A statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, described the assertion as “misleading and false.”
Despite the diplomatic row, several Nigerians in the U.S. have acknowledged the rationale behind the U.S. government’s action.
Speaking with PUNCH Diaspora Tales, Dr. Tina Ekhaiyeme, a medical researcher based in North Carolina, described the decision as a direct consequence of Nigeria’s failure to offer Americans similar visa terms.
“The U.S. gave Nigerians multiple-entry visas valid for five years. But Nigeria didn’t reciprocate. This move seems like a wake-up call,” she said, adding that Nigeria should explore more tourist-friendly visa policies to boost foreign interest and investment.
She also stressed that countries like Jamaica have lifted visa restrictions for Americans to encourage tourism and business.
“At least Nigerians should be thankful they were not completely banned,” she added.
In Texas, software engineer Kehinde Owolabi expressed disappointment, calling the measure a “diplomatic slap.”
While acknowledging that a similar policy was enforced during Trump’s first tenure, he said it sends an “unfriendly message” to law-abiding Nigerians in the U.S.
“It’s unclear if this is payback, but if Nigeria truly restricts U.S. citizens, that’s an error. We benefit more from America,” he noted.
He urged Nigerians not to panic but to be more strategic when applying for travel.
“Plan your trip carefully. Ensure your purpose for visiting is strong and well documented,” Owolabi advised.
He also encouraged the Tinubu administration to engage with U.S. authorities to ease tensions.
Another Nigerian based in North Dakota, who spoke anonymously, suggested the decision could be linked to growing concerns over Nigerian visitors overstaying their non-immigrant visas.
“A lot of Nigerians don’t return after visiting. Reducing visa validity might be the U.S. government’s way of controlling that,” the source stated.
He added that the policy could also be a strategic move by Trump to push the Nigerian government into negotiation.
According to the source, many Nigerians tried to enter the U.S. with questionable documents, which ends up making life harder for legal immigrants.
“Life is not easy for undocumented immigrants. No access to jobs, housing, or healthcare,” he stressed.
He cautioned Nigerians against attempting illegal entry or overstaying their visas, adding, “Even if you pay rent upfront, landlords will still require proof of legal residency. You can’t just disappear in the system.”
The anonymous source also explained that American society is structured in such a way that undocumented residents find it hard to survive, emphasizing that no legal resident would risk jail by harboring an illegal immigrant.
In Maryland, another Nigerian who declined to be named linked the new visa rule to Trump’s campaign agenda.
“Trump is serious about immigration control and mass deportation. This visa rule is part of that strategy,” the individual said.
They urged both countries to resolve any underlying diplomatic tension.
“Nigeria and the U.S. have long maintained friendly ties. This is likely a temporary setback that can be resolved through dialogue,” the source noted.
Highlighting practical concerns, they questioned how students and business travelers would operate under a three-month single-entry visa.
“The Nigerian foreign affairs ministry must act swiftly. This affects genuine travelers who contribute to both economies,” the source said, adding that those planning trips should follow developments closely and reschedule if necessary.
