Nigerian Envoy Calms US Immigration Ban Fears

Nigerians who are planning to travel to the US have been fearful they may receive a less than rapturous welcome, given the clampdown on immigrants under the Trump administration. But such fears have been dismissed by Ambassador Hakeem Balogun, the country’s Charge d’Affairs in the US.

Ambassador Balogun told reporters from the News Agency of Nigeria in Washington DC that Nigeria is not among the list of nations that have had a travel ban attached to it by President Donald Trump. He did note, though, that Nigerians should take steps to ensure they avoid attracting any punitive measures by making certain to always stick to the rules. The clarification from the Ambassador came three weeks after Abuja’s US Embassy also declared that there is no reason for Nigerians with valid US visas to cancel or postpone any plans they may have to visit the US.

The Embassy also pointed out that no prohibition had been imposed by the US government against anyone with a valid US visa, including legal permanent residents of Nigeria, or another form of authorization, from being able to enter the US.

Balogun told reporters that incidents taking place, including airport vetting and US visa issuance, are all normal occurrences, which took place before the inauguration of President Donald Trump. He added that Nigerians prevented from entering the US were restricted because they did not meet the required procedures.