…Thousands of Nigerians Face Deportation
Nigerian immigrants living illegally in the United States have significantly limited their movements, fearing arrest and deportation under President Donald Trump’s new immigration policies. Many have stopped going to work, church, and public places in a desperate bid to remain undetected.
According to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), 3,690 Nigerians are on the deportation list. A recent ICE document reveals that 1,445,549 non-citizens have final removal orders, with Mexico and El Salvador leading in numbers.
Trump’s administration has implemented aggressive immigration measures, including revoking birthright citizenship and prosecuting local authorities that refuse to cooperate. Since his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, 538 undocumented immigrants have already been deported.
Fear Among Nigerian Immigrants
Trump’s Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed via social media that the largest deportation operation in US history is underway. Reports suggest that Nigerians and other African immigrants may soon become primary targets.
Some Nigerians living in the US admitted they have adopted new strategies to avoid detection. One undocumented immigrant in Tampa, Florida, revealed:
“Since Trump took office, I’ve stopped going to work. ICE agents can raid workplaces anytime. I don’t even go to church anymore. The safest place is indoors.”
Another Nigerian in Columbus, Ohio, said:
“Nigerians might not be the primary targets, but any illegal immigrant can be arrested. The best strategy is to stay out of sight.”
Despite the crackdown, some remain optimistic that lawsuits challenging Trump’s immigration policies might slow down deportation efforts.
Nigerians Losing Hope of Legalizing Status
Many affected Nigerians have struggled for years to secure legal residency but have been unsuccessful. One man, who arrived in the US in 2013, disclosed:
“I lost almost $30,000 trying to get my papers through different means, including marriage. I even considered asylum, but I was told I had overstayed my visa.”
A Nigerian journalist in the US noted that the deportation drive is more aggressive in Republican-controlled states than in Democratic strongholds.
“If they tell us to leave, we have no choice. The sad truth is, if Nigeria were a better place, many of us wouldn’t have left in the first place.”
201 Nigerians in Custody for Deportation
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 201 Nigerians are currently detained by US authorities, awaiting deportation. However, the Nigerian government has not received an official schedule for their return.
A ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, assured that any deportation process must follow diplomatic protocols, including verification of citizenship and arrangements for reintegration.
Fewer Nigerians Traveling to the US
Trump’s tough stance on immigration has also discouraged Nigerians frfrom travellingo the US for education and work. Many prospective students are now exploring alternative destinations due to uncertainties surrounding visa approvals and potential deportation risks.
“The US will see a decline in Nigerian student enrollment,” said Sulaimon Okewole, CEO of a travel consultancy firm.
Choice Ukpe, a consultant at Renpha Consulting, also noted that obtaining a US visa has become increasingly difficult:
“Even with scholarships, securing a visa is not guaranteed anymore. We’re now helping clients explore other countries.”
Several students have already abandoned their US study plans, fearing rejection or ununfavourableonditions upon arrival.
“I was preparing for a Master’s program in the US, but now I am reconsidering,” said Wale Dada, a prospective student.
With Trump’s policies reshaping immigration, many Nigerians in the US are bracing for an uncertain future.
