At least 201 Nigerians are set to be deported from the United States (U.S.) as part of President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policy targeting undocumented immigrants.
According to U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills Jr., 85 Nigerians have been cleared for immediate deportation, with many among them being convicted criminals serving jail terms in the U.S. The first batch of deportees is expected to arrive in Lagos, though the exact date of their return remains undisclosed.
Ambassador Mills disclosed this during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at her office in Abuja. He emphasized that the deportation process is part of Trump’s broader agenda to remove illegal immigrants from the country, a move that has already affected citizens of Colombia, Mexico, and India.
“The first group will be convicted prisoners – those who committed crimes and are in U.S. prisons. Some of them have clearly violated U.S. immigration laws. They appealed but were denied yet remain in the U.S.,” Mills said.
Nigeria Calls for Dignified Treatment
In response, Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu called for humane treatment of the deportees, highlighting concerns over reports that many deported convicts are shackled in handcuffs and leg restraints during repatriation.
She urged the U.S. government to adhere to international conventions in handling deportations and consider measures to ease the transition for affected individuals.
“With the new administration in the U.S., we want a situation where there will be commitments. If there will be repatriation, we want a dignified return,” the minister said.
She also expressed concern over the financial and emotional toll the deportations would have on the affected Nigerians and their families back home. Many of them rely on remittances from relatives in the U.S. for survival and education.
“This is of great concern not just to Nigerian nationals in the U.S. but to family members in Nigeria who depend on them. Children whose school fees are paid for by these Diasporans will be affected. Will they be given ample time to handle their assets, or will they just be bundled into planes and repatriated?” she asked.
Concerns Over U.S. Visa Policy
The minister also raised concerns about the possible suspension of the Drop Box Visa System, which allows certain categories of Nigerians to renew U.S. visas without in-person interviews. She urged the U.S. to reconsider the move to prevent unnecessary hardship for genuine travellers.
In response, Ambassador Mills assured that while immigration policies are being strictly enforced, the U.S.-Nigeria trade and diplomatic relationship remains strong. He noted that the Trump administration is focused on economic engagement, particularly through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
“This relationship is strong, and we want it sustained,” he stated.
As the deportation process unfolds, concerns remain over the impact on affected Nigerians and their families, with calls for a more compassionate approach to immigration enforcement.
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