U.S. Explains Recent Visa Cancellations Affecting Nigerians and Other Nationals
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The United States Government has provided reasons for its recent cancellation of visas issued to Nigerians and other foreign nationals, amid rising concerns over a perceived silent crackdown. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria told Daily Sun that the measure is “in the interest of national security.”

A recent report titled “The Quiet Revocation: Why is the U.S. Silently Cancelling Nigerians’ Visas?” highlighted that dozens of Nigerian professionals, entrepreneurs, and frequent travellers received letters instructing them to submit their passports to U.S. consulates in Lagos or Abuja, only to have their visas revoked without explanation. The report noted that the cancellation notices cite Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122, vaguely stating that new information had become available after the visa issuance, without providing evidence or avenues for appeal. Recipients were simply advised to reapply if they wished.

Responding to the concerns, a U.S. Embassy spokesperson said, “The Trump Administration is protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.” The spokesperson stressed that all prospective travellers undergo interagency security vetting, which is continuously updated for the more than 55 million foreigners holding valid U.S. visas.

The Embassy further explained that visas may be revoked if a foreign national overstays their lawful period of admission, engages in criminal activity, supports terrorist organisations, or otherwise violates U.S. law. This authority, based on the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), has existed for decades, giving the Secretary of State and consular officers discretion to cancel visas whenever potential ineligibility is detected.

The spokesperson added, “While we have had this revocation authority for decades, we are using all the information we have to do this on a scale never seen before, in order to keep American borders secure and American communities safe.”

The recent actions have sparked debate among affected travellers, with many expressing frustration at the lack of clarity and formal appeal options. The U.S. maintains that the measures are essential for safeguarding national security and public safety.

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