…”Comply or Face Deportation: Immigration Alerts Nigerians on US Visa Abuse”
ABUJA, NIGERIA –The iNews Times reports that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a firm advisory urging Nigerian citizens to strictly adhere to the terms of their US visas, following growing concerns from the United States Government over widespread visa misuse by Nigerian travellers.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Akinsola Akinlabi, noted that any breach of US visa conditions, such as overstaying, working without authorisation, or failing to abide by the stated purpose of travel could lead to visa revocation, deportation, or a permanent ban on future travel.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to inform the general public of concerns raised by the United States Government regarding the misuse of US visas by Nigerians,” Akinlabi stated.
“All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications,” he said, adding that U.S. immigration authorities conduct extensive screening beyond the initial point of entry, making it risky to violate immigration rules.
He further stressed that Nigerian students in the U.S. must maintain active enrolment and avoid unauthorised withdrawal or prolonged absence from their study programmes, as these actions could trigger immediate visa cancellations.
“Such violations may result in loss of visa status and future ineligibility to travel to the United States,” he said.
The statement also addressed a rising trend in “birth tourism,” warning that U.S. consular officers reserve the right to deny tourist visas to applicants suspected of intending to give birth in the United States solely for the purpose of securing citizenship for their children.
To prevent broader diplomatic fallout, the NIS reiterated its commitment to working closely with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to safeguard Nigeria’s status and ensure it is not subjected to expanded visa restrictions.
“We are calling on all Nigerian citizens to comply with US visa rules, as such conduct is essential to safeguarding legitimate travel opportunities,” Akinlabi added.
The advisory comes as the United States tightens its immigration enforcement protocols amid global concerns about visa overstays and unlawful migration. Nigerian travellers, especially students and tourists, are now being placed under closer scrutiny.
Analysts say this development could have far-reaching consequences for thousands of Nigerians seeking education, business, or leisure opportunities in the U.S., unless urgent measures are taken to promote compliance and restore trust.
