*Honour Your Visa Terms, US Mission Tells Nigerians
•Reiterates Overstay Warning
THE United States (US) Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has defended the tightening of immigration restrictions affecting Nigerians, citing concerns over document fraud, poor record-keeping and corruption, which it said have undermined the reliability of official records used in immigration processes.
The USCIS made the claims while explaining its decision to suspend the processing of certain immigration benefit requests from citizens of Nigeria and 38 other countries designated as high-risk under recent US immigration measures.
Speaking before the US District Court for the District of Rhode Island, USCIS Deputy Director, Angelica Alfonso-Royals, said its actions were in compliance with immigration proclamations issued by US President, Donald Trump, in December last year and January this year, as part of broader efforts to address concerns relating to national security, terrorism and public safety.
According to Alfonso-Royals, the credibility of official records from Nigeria remains a significant challenge for US immigration authorities tasked with verifying applicants’ identities and personal histories, adding: “Nigerian documents also have limited credibility due to corruption.”
She further alleged that official records are frequently manipulated, and in some cases, created years after the events they are intended to document, saying: “In Nigeria, it is common for government officials to falsify records.
“Furthermore, Nigerian birth and death registrations rarely happen at the time of the event and often only occur when needed, which can be years later.”
She also raised concerns about the registration and documentation of marriages and divorces in the country, noting: “Many Nigerian marriage and divorce events are not recorded in formal government databases.
“When they are, record-keeping is poor to non-existent.”
Alfonso-Royals’ remarks formed part of the US government’s defence of its enhanced immigration screening measures, which affect nationals from countries considered to pose elevated risks relating to identity verification and security vetting.
The restrictions have sparked concern among affected communities, particularly Nigerians seeking immigration benefits, educational opportunities, employment-based visas and family reunification pathways in the country.
Nigeria is ranked among the leading African countries in student enrolment, professional migration and family-based immigration to the US and any tightening of visa and immigration policies often carries significant implications for thousands of applicants and their families.
Meanwhile, the US Mission in Nigeria has advised Nigerian travellers to strictly comply with US immigration laws, saying adherence to visa terms was key to protecting future travel and study opportunities.
In a reminder shared under the hashtag, #VisaWiseTravelSmart, posted on its official X handle amid current efforts by the US to curb visa overstays and maintain the integrity of its immigration system, the mission stressed that following the rules was not only the right thing to do, but also a safeguard for individual travel prospects.
According to it: “Staying compliant with US immigration laws isn’t just the right thing to do; it protects your future and keeps opportunities open for Nigerian travelers.”
It advised Nigerians travelling for study, work or visits to always honour the conditions attached to their visas, urging applicants to stay only for the period authorised, keep their documents updated and avoid actions that could jeopardise their eligibility for future entry into the US.
It stated: “Whether you’re studying, working or visiting the United States, always honour the terms of your visa.
“Follow the rules. Stay only for as long as you are authorised. Keep your documents updated. Make choices that safeguard your dreams.”
The Mission added that respecting the immigration process benefits both travellers and the US-Nigeria relationship, noting that “when you respect the process, everyone wins.”
It has repeatedly stressed that visa compliance strengthens the credibility of Nigerian applicants and helps preserve access for legitimate students, workers and visitors seeking to travel to the US.
Beyond visa restrictions, the US has stepped up screening and enforcement, with applicants now facing rigorous vetting, including mandatory disclosure of social media usernames, while those found guilty of fraud risk criminal charges and a lifetime ban.
The Mission said these actions are designed to protect the integrity of the visa system and preserve access for legitimate travelers.
