US explains visa cancellation for Nigerians, others

Obianuju Uzukwu

The United States Government has given reasons for cancelling visas issued to Nigerians and nationals of other countries.

The Embassy of US told Daily Sun, that a recent report on the issue was in the interest of national security.

The report titled:‘The quiet revocation: Why is the U.S. silently cancelling Nigerians’ visas?’ had said: “In recent weeks, an unsettling trend has quietly unfolded. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has begun revoking valid visas previously issued to Nigerian citizens. This is not rumour or speculation. Dozens of affected Nigerians, professionals, entrepreneurs, and frequent travellers have received formal letters instructing them to submit their passports at the consulate in Lagos or Abuja, only to have their visas unceremoniously cancelled.”

It added: “What makes this development even more alarming is the veil of silence surrounding it. I have personally reviewed at least eight of such cancellation letters.

“The notices cite Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122 as the legal basis, vaguely stating that new information became available after the visa was issued. Beyond that, nothing is explained. No evidence is shared. No avenue for appeal is offered. Recipients are merely advised to reapply if they wish, an instruction that provides no comfort to those suddenly stripped of their mobility.”

But, 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.

“Prohibiting entry to the U.S. by those who might pose a threat to national security or public safety is key to protecting U.S. citizens at home. Every prospective traveller to the U.S undergoes interagency security vetting. The Department’s continuous vetting includes all of the more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid U.S. visas.

“Under the Trump administration, the State Department is revoking the visa in cases, where a foreign visitor, including foreign students, overstays their lawful period of admission, engages in criminal activity, provides material support to a terrorist organisation, or otherwise violates the US law.”

The US Embassy spokesperson further said: “This work is based squarely on the Department’s authorities under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), tools that have existed for decades. Section 221(i) gives the Secretary and Consular Officers discretion to revoke visas at any time, and we use this authority to take action when there is an indication of a potential ineligibility under the INA.

“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.”