Former lawmaker Shehu Sani has weighed in on the newly implemented United States travel restrictions, characterizing the move as a blunt declaration that migrants from developing nations are being shut out.
Sani’s reaction on X followed an announcement by the Donald Trump administration which introduced sweeping visa restrictions.
Under this new policy, Nigerians are prohibited from entering the U.S. as immigrants or under various non-immigrant categories, specifically B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), B-1/B-2 (combined), F (academic), M (vocational), and J (exchange programs).
Read Also: US Imposes Travel Ban On Nigerians, Gives Strong Reasons
The White House justified the suspension by citing security risks and a high rate of visa overstays.
The official proclamation stated:“The entry into the United States of nationals of Nigeria as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.”
U.S. officials also pointed to Nigeria’s struggle with radical groups and general security issues, noting that these factors make it impossible to properly vet applicants.
In his response, Sani observed that many Nigerians were initially misled by previous, more targeted restrictions.
He noted:“They said the first visa ban focused on those who engage in acts of religious persecution, and many jubilated on social media, thinking it’s only for government officials.”
Read Also: Shehu Sani Reacts As Supreme Court Affirms President’s Power To Declare Emergency Rule, Suspend Governors
He clarified that this latest ban is far more extensive, targeting everyday citizens rather than just the political elite.
“The second visa restriction is for everyone, now that Nigeria is listed among 23 others,” Sani explained, highlighting that the list primarily targets Black African and Caribbean nations.
Ultimately, Sani argued that the stated security reasons mask a deeper agenda of exclusion.
“The message is very clear; Third World migrants are NOT welcomed,” he wrote.
Concluding his thoughts, he encouraged Nigerians to turn their energy inward to fix local issues rather than seeking to leave.
“Stay back and build your country or deal with your problems,” he advised.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
