201 Nigerians Set for Deportation Under Trump Immigration Policy
In line with U.S. President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policy, no fewer than 201 Nigerians are set to be deported from the United States, with an initial batch of 85 already cleared for repatriation. Among those being deported are individuals convicted of crimes and currently serving jail terms in the U.S
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During a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., confirmed that deportees would be transported to Lagos, ruling out alternative drop-off locations such as Port Harcourt or Abuja. He underscored that these deportations primarily concern individuals who have committed immigration offenses, exhausted their appeal options, and remained in the country illegally.
Concerns Over Deportation Process
Expressing concern over the treatment of Nigerian deportees, Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the U.S. government to ensure their dignified return. She emphasized that past cases of deportees being manacled during transit were inhumane and requested adherence to international conventions governing repatriation.
Highlighting the socio-economic impact of the deportations, she noted that many affected individuals had family members in Nigeria who relied on their financial support, particularly for education and basic needs. She called on the U.S. government to allow deportees ample time to manage their assets before being forced out.
“Will they simply be bundled onto planes, or will they have the opportunity to resolve their affairs? This is particularly concerning for those who have not committed violent crimes,” she stated.
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
President Trump has remained steadfast in his pledge to remove undocumented immigrants, with recent deportations targeting citizens from countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and India. His administration’s aggressive approach has sparked international concern, with many nations, including Nigeria, scrambling to negotiate humane treatment for their nationals.
Impact on U.S.-Nigeria Relations
Ambassador Mills addressed the ongoing review of U.S. policies affecting Nigerians, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and student visa regulations. With approximately 14,000 Nigerian students in the U.S., their families remain anxious about potential policy shifts under the Trump administration.
Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the future of U.S. humanitarian aid through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the importance of maintaining aid programs critical to health and humanitarian efforts in Nigeria and across Africa.
“Even within the early stages of the administration’s 90-day review, we are already witnessing disruptions affecting NGOs and vulnerable communities. We appeal for the preservation of these initiatives,” she stressed.
Drop Box Visa Policy and Economic Cooperation
The minister also sought clarification on the possible suspension of the U.S. Drop Box Visa system, a streamlined renewal process for frequent travelers. Ambassador Mills assured that the policy remains unchanged, though subject to review.
Regarding trade and investment, Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu called for increased U.S. involvement in Nigeria’s mining sector to boost economic diversification. She also advocated for the reactivation of the ‘Silent Secretariat’—a mechanism for assessing bilateral relations.
Diplomatic Implications
Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes democracy, development, demography, and diaspora engagement (4-Ds), remains committed to citizen diplomacy. The administration has pledged to monitor the welfare of Nigerians abroad and address challenges linked to illegal migration, widely referred to as the ‘Japa’ phenomenon.
Despite political instability in the Sahel, Nigeria remains committed to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) free movement policy, a crucial aspect of regional integration.
Looking Ahead
While the Trump administration’s immigration policies continue to strain diplomatic relations, Nigeria seeks to strengthen its bilateral ties with the U.S. through trade, economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships. As deportations continue, ensuring the humane treatment of affected individuals remains a top priority for Nigerian authorities.
Reference
201 Nigerians Set for Deportation Under Trump Immigration Policy