US envoys said new visa policies aimed at security, not Nigerians

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has defended the newly introduced visa restrictions on Nigerian travelers, insisting that these steps are part of a broader security framework than a sentence of punishment.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday after a meeting with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Mills said the revised policies were aimed at tightening security, increasing service provision, and ensuring compliance with US immigration laws.

Under the new rules, the US government has shortened certain non-immigrant visa validity issued for Nigeria, including the B1/B2 category (business and tourism), F (students), and J (exchange visitors), up to three months with single entry access.

Mills emphasized that changes were not targeted in Nigeria specifically but formed a part of a global review of visa operations. He warned, however, that visa abuse such as beyond or providing false information can cause deportation and a lifetime travel ban.

“If you exaggerate, it can cause deportation and a lifetime for life for future trips to the US, which we do not want to see Nigerian citizens face,” said the ambassador.

He urged Nigerian applicants to be honest and comply with visa conditions, noting that “Visa compliance is the foundation of mutual trust and respect between our two countries.” He added that the United States remains open to Nigerian travelers to study, business, tourism, medical visits, and family reunions, but expect all visitors to respect immigration regulations.

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The envoy also revealed that the US worked with the Nigerian government to increase access to criminal records and conduct a tighter background check on applicants. “We need to overcome some of the security vulnerability that we see in our visa processing,” explained Mills.

In the student visa, Mills warns that missing class or leaving an academic program without informing schools can cause visa extraction. He advised the Nigerians to rely on the official embassy channel for accurate guidance.

Minister Idris praised the US mission to clarify his position directly to the Nigerians, said such involvement would increase public understanding of visa policies. He stressed that the Nigerians were one of the most often visitors to the US and needed clear and easily accessible information about consular problems.

The Minister rejects advice that new steps are discriminatory, in line with the US position that they are designed to improve efficiency and cooperation.

“When someone comes to Nigeria, we hope that person obeys our law. Nigeria must also show a better sense of patriotism and comply with other countries’ laws,” Idris said.

The two officials reiterated the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the US, promising sustainable collaboration to ensure transparency and mutual respect in consular matters.