Nigerians living in the U.S might not be spared from the searing impact of Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration clampdown. President Trump made getting tough on illegal immigration a pillar of his presidential campaign and has already enacted far-reaching measures targeting those who violated U.S. immigration law.
His measure includes sealing the U.S. asylum system for those without proper documents; tasking the military with deporting immigration violators; and empowering deportation officers to target most unauthorized immigrants, including those without criminal records.
In the last 24 hours, there has been a nationwide US immigration crackdown with more than a thousand immigrants arrested. This swift crackdown has moved beyond those living in or entering the U.S. illegally to officials issuing bans and restrictions on legal immigration, including programs for refugees displaced by violence.
How will the immigration crackdown affect Nigerians living in the United States?
Nigerians living in the US may face increased scrutiny and difficulties in obtaining visas, permanent residency, and citizenship. The Trump administration’s policies may also affect Nigeria’s economic development and global relationships.
As the 2025 immigration bill may increase deportations, many Nigerians risk being separated from their families, especially those who have established lives in the U.S. under temporary protection or work permit.
Also many international students, particularly those who rely on work permit after graduation may lose their student and work visa making it hard for Nigerians to stay in the U.S. Then for postgraduate opportunities, potentially cutting off pathways to further education and career advancement.
Healthcare workers especially in nursing, home health, and medical support roles could lose their license. Deportation could result in severe staffing shortages, negatively impacting the quality of care for patients, particularly in geriatric areas.
The heightened fear of deportation creates emotional distress for Nigerians, especially those who have lived in the U.S. for years and built strong social ties. Many may face depression, anxiety, and trauma as they worry about their future.
Changes in US immigration policy could significantly affect Nigerians living in the United States by impacting their ability to travel back and forth to Nigeria, potentially affecting family visits, business opportunities, and overall sense of security depending on the nature of the policy changes, especially if they involve increased scrutiny or restrictions on visas for Nigerian citizens.
Key Statistics
Approximately 376,000 Nigerian immigrants and their children live in the US.
Nigerians account for about 0.6% of the US’ overall foreign-born population.
In 2017, people in the US sent $6.2 billion in remittances to Nigeria.
The total US immigrant population is approximately 50.6 million, which accounts for about 15 percent of the country’s total population. This number makes the United States the country with the highest number of immigrants globally.
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