The way in which the immigration policy of American president, Donald Trump will affect Nigerians has been revealed.
Donald Trump
It has been revealed that unless the Federal Government reviews its
visa policy with the United States of America, Nigerians will no longer
enjoy visas to the US with two-year validity, according to an Executive
Order issued on Friday by President Donald Trump.
Section 9 of the Executive Order states: “The Secretary of
State shall review all non-immigrant visa reciprocity agreements to
ensure that they are, with respect to each visa classification, truly
reciprocal insofar as practicable with respect to validity period and
fees, as required by sections 221(c) and 281 of the INA, 8 U.S.C.
1201(c) and 1351, and other treatment.
“If a country does not treat United States nationals seeking
non-immigrant visas in a reciprocal manner, the Secretary of State shall
adjust the visa validity period, fee schedule, or other treatment to
match the treatment of United States nationals by the foreign country,
to the extent practicable.”
Currently, Nigeria issues a visa with one year validity to US
citizens, which is a non-reciprocation of the two-year visa the country
issues to Nigerians, which is what the US President seeks to correct.
Also, Nigerians who hold dual nationality will be affected if their
other passport is from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and
Yemen, the seven Muslim-majority countries “of concern.”
By this provision, except the Federal Government quickly reviews
the validity of Nigerian visa to Americans, Nigerians also will be
issued with one-year visas. With immediate take off of the Trump’s
order, Nigerians holding valid two-year US visa are most likely going to
be affected. Nigeria is also not reciprocating the fees charged by the
American government, despite shorter visa validity. While the US charges
Nigerians $160 for a typical visit visa, Nigeria charges $180, in
addition to a $35 “processing fee.”
The section on dual nationality involving seven Muslim-majority
countries is not expected to affect a significant number of Nigerians
because a second citizenship of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia
and Yemen is not common. However, Nigerians who have been to Syria,
Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen in recent times may be
subjected to extra immigration control with possible deportation.
According to Vanguard, Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the
President on Media and Publicity, who was reacting to the development,
said: “It is not a presidency matter.”
Similarly, a Research Professor and Head, Division of International
Politics, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Prof.
Osita Agbu said: “There have been a lot of activities stirred up by
the Trump presidency all over the world. And the situation is impacting
on the world to the extent that most allies of the United States are
getting worried. We have seen people being denied entry into the US and
others being sent back at the airports. The executive order on
immigration is catastrophic. The Trump presidency is forgetting that
there is reciprocity in international relations which means that
citizens are being treated the way their country treats others. During
the time of former President Yar’Adua, Nigeria came up with citizen
diplomacy.
“Countries can come up with such policy depending on their
capacity. The executive order violates the US constitution and is
against the spirit of their constitution because America is a country of
immigrants. The Trump presidency should realise that no nation is an
island. American citizens are all over the world and this law makes them
insecure instead of secure. Trump has succeeded in taking America back.
His administration appears to have forgotten that globalization has
brought the world together even though it has its negative sides like
terrorism. I don’t see how this law will protect US citizens. It behoves
of the Republican Party to be mindful of some of these extreme laws.”
On his part, Senator Magnus Abe, who represents Rivers South East
constituency in the Senate, said Nigeria has the right of reciprocity.
He said: “I think who gets to America is basically the decision
of the American government but whatever the decision they have reached,
Nigeria also has the right of reciprocity. I think the lesson for
Nigeria in this whole saga is that we must make our own country great.
If we have developed our own country, all these talks about who gets
American visa or not will be inconsequential. I believe Nigeria has the
resources America has. We are well endowed just like America but we
refused to harness the opportunities we have which is why there is the
rush for people to run out of the country.”
Also reacting, Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere,
called on the Federal Government to reciprocate the action. Its National
Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin said: “Nigeria should also extend its visa for US citizens to two years to enjoy reciprocity.”
Deputy Chairman of Finance Committee in the House of Representatives, Austine Chukwukere in his reaction said: “I
am not completely aware of the details. We will always study it before
making any cogent statements. As far as I am concerned, it is still a
proposal in the making that has to pass through a legislative process.
He is not the only person to take decisions in the United States.”
Also reacting, Uduma Igariwey, who represents Afikpo federal constituency of Ebonyi State said: “The
visa policy of a country is determined by the country, no country
determines the visa policy of another country. It is left for Nigerian
government to reciprocate in kind. Iran has responded. We cannot
criticise what Trump has done, it is the place of American government to
determine its visa policy.
“It is left for us, Nigeria to determine or reciprocate what
America has done. The government of the day must think out a very robust
way to respond to the policy. We should also be aware of our
limitations. There is nothing we can do than to also look inwards in our
foreign policy.”
Linus Okorie (PDP, Ebonyi) in his reaction said: “It is
unfortunate that Nigeria is so affected. It appears to be in fulfilment
of his promises to Americans before he won the election in putting
America first.
“It is a call on Nigeria’s policy managers to quickly respond
to it. Unfortunately, we cannot flex muscle wit America. We need
America. I am of the opinion that our foreign policy makers should sit
down and look at the policy. It is imperative on Nigeria’s policy makers
to quickly adjust to this policy of America by reciprocating.”
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