Shehu Sani
Shehu Sani, former senator representing Kaduna central, says the US imposition of travel restrictions on Nigerians is a clear message that “third world migrants” are not welcome.
The US placed Nigeria among 15 countries facing partial travel restrictions after updating its list on Tuesday.
President Donald Trump’s proclamation placed a suspension on the issuance of immigrant visas as well as non-immigrant visas, including B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J categories — routes most commonly used by Nigerians.
Trump also asked consular officers to reduce the validity for any other non-immigrant visa issued to Nigerian nationals to the extent permitted by law.
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The restrictions came weeks after the US announced visa restrictions targeting Nigerians accused of undermining religious freedom.
Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, said the restrictions will affect those who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom”.
In an X post on Wednesday, Sani criticised Nigerians who celebrated the visa restrictions, “thinking it’s only for government officials”.
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“The second visa restriction is for everyone, now that Nigeria is listed among 23 others,” he said.
“The recent list has no Arab countries but mostly Black Africans and Caribbeans, even though safety and security was used as the basis. The message is very clear; third World migrants are NOT welcomed. Stay back and build your country or deal with your problems.”
The new restrictions do not apply to lawful permanent US residents. It also does not cover foreign nationals who have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of the proclamation.
Athletes, dual citizens of countries not earlier restricted, and US government employees were also spared.
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