US Envoy Outlines Deportation Plans for Nigerian Immigrants.
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., has announced that Nigerian deportees from the US will be repatriated through Lagos. During a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Mills clarified that the first group of deportees would include convicted individuals who have violated US immigration laws.
Mills stated, “The deportees will be dropped in Lagos, with no alternative locations like Port Harcourt or Abuja being considered. The initial group will consist of convicted prisoners, including those who have exhausted their appeals and remain in the US despite immigration violations.”
The envoy also addressed the impending expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in September, emphasizing that its renewal depends on congressional action. He highlighted the US administration’s focus on strengthening trade and commercial ties with Nigeria.
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Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the US government to adhere to international conventions in handling deportations, ensuring that Nigerian citizens are treated with dignity. She called for measures to ease the emotional and financial burdens on deportees, such as allowing them time to settle their affairs and retrieve their assets in the US.
The minister also expressed concerns over the potential suspension of the US Drop Box Visa System, which could complicate visa applications for Nigerians traveling to the US for legitimate purposes. She appealed for clarity on the policy to alleviate anxieties among Nigerian applicants.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the far-reaching impact of US immigration policies on Nigerian families, particularly those reliant on remittances for survival and education. She noted that approximately 14,000 Nigerian students in the US have families back home who are worried about potential changes in student visa policies.
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The minister also raised concerns about the future of USAID programs, urging the US to preserve initiatives that support vulnerable communities in Nigeria and across Africa. She called for stronger bilateral relations, particularly in trade and investment, to address Nigeria’s unemployment challenges and curb illegal migration, often referred to as the “Japa syndrome.”
In response, Ambassador Mills assured that the Drop Box Visa Policy has not been suspended and that the new US administration is reviewing its policies. He acknowledged the contributions of USAID in critical areas like healthcare and humanitarian aid and expressed optimism about deepening US-Nigeria relations.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration on issues such as democracy, counter-terrorism, and regional stability, particularly in light of recent developments in the Sahel region. Both parties expressed a commitment to fostering stronger ties and addressing shared challenges.
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