Lagos, Nigeria – 21 July 2025
The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a stern warning about visa fraud and illegal immigration, stating that those involved could face permanent exclusion from the US and criminal prosecution.
In a recent post on the social media platform X, the official account of the US Mission in Nigeria declared: “U.S. government interagency efforts combat fraud and will end illegal immigration. Those who commit visa fraud will be banned from the United States for life. A nation without borders is not a nation. We will pursue criminal charges against those who engage in visa fraud and those who bring in and harbor illegal aliens.”
The statement reflects ongoing concerns about visa overstays and fraudulent applications. Earlier this month, the US introduced a new policy limiting most nonimmigrant and non-official visas for Nigerian citizens to single-entry permits valid for three months. This change, effective from 8 July 2025, does not affect visas issued before that date but underscores stricter measures to address immigration challenges.
Nigerian applicants have been repeatedly warned that providing false information or counterfeit documents during the visa application process can lead to a lifetime ban from entering the United States. Such actions not only jeopardise individual prospects but also undermine efforts to maintain secure borders.
The US has also implemented enhanced vetting measures, including requiring certain visa applicants to make their social media accounts public to assist in identity and admissibility checks. Additionally, a Presidential Proclamation effective from June 2025 has imposed restrictions on visa issuance to nationals of countries deemed to pose security risks, potentially impacting some Nigerian travellers.
Reactions in Nigeria have been mixed, with some expressing frustration over the tightened restrictions. Reports have highlighted that overstaying a US visa could result in deportation, criminal prosecution, and permanent entry bans. Advocacy groups have noted the broader implications for Nigerian-US relations, given the high volume of visa applications from Nigeria.
The US Department of State continues to urge applicants to use legal pathways for travel and immigration, warning against scams and fraudulent schemes targeting hopeful migrants. As interagency efforts intensify, officials emphasise that protecting national borders remains a priority, with no tolerance for those facilitating illegal entry or harbouring undocumented individuals.
