₦airaland Forum

Andrew Thomas, a Massachusets-based immigration attorney has clarified that Nigerians who are permanent residents of the United States (US) and green card holders will not be affected by the travel ban placed on Nigeria and other countries.

As an immigration expert, he admitted that the scope of the proclamation has been widely misunderstood.

Speaking during a televised interview, He added that certain parolees and waiver-eligible applicants are also exempt, provided they return to the US before the policy takes effect. “It doesn’t affect them as long as they stay on the safe side and return before January 1, 2026, when the proclamation takes effect,” he explained.

“If you are a citizen of one of the listed countries and you are already a green card holder, you can go and come as you please,” Thomas said. “If you’re already admitted into the United States, this proclamation does not affect you.”


The US recently imposed a partial travel ban on Nigerians, which restricts entry across several visa categories in a move that has sparked concern among students, business travellers and families with ties to the US.

The new measures, announced in a statement published on the White House website on Tuesday, were introduced by the Donald Trump administration, which cited national security concerns, identity verification challenges and passport integrity issues as justification for the decision.

Under the restrictions, Nigerians seeking entry on B1 and B2 visas for business and tourism, as well as F, M and J visas covering academic studies, vocational training and exchange programmes, are now barred from entering the US.

US authorities also referenced the activities of radical Islamist groups in Nigeria and the country’s prolonged security crisis as factors influencing the policy shift.

According to Thomas, the administration is relying on long-standing provisions of US immigration law to justify the restrictions. “The president derives his authority from sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act,” he said, noting that these provisions grant the US president “broad powers to suspend or restrict entry on any class of non-immigrant visa”.

The administration has framed the policy as a response to what it describes as weaknesses in identity verification systems and passport integrity in affected countries.

VISA APPROVED ENTRY NOT GUARANTEED

One of the most significant implications of the new rules, Thomas warned, is that holding a valid visa may no longer be enough to guarantee entry into the United States.

Even if you have a visa before January 1, 2026, entry is not guaranteed,” he said. “Admission is subject to inspection by a Customs and Border Protection officer, and under this proclamation, you may not be admitted.”

The restrictions apply not only to new visa applicants but also to individuals outside the US who already hold valid B1, B2, F, M or J visas and are seeking entry.

Thomas also pointed to the timing of the decision, noting that the US is preparing to host major global events. “The US is hosting the world cup, and even though Nigeria may not have qualified, the impact on travel and international engagement is something to watch,” he added.

The restrictions are not necessarily permanent as Thomas noted that such proclamations are typically reviewed every six months. “It’s always up for review within 180 days,” he said, suggesting that diplomatic pressure and legal action could influence its future.

For now, however, the policy has introduced fresh uncertainty for Nigerians hoping to study, work, do business or reunite with family in the US, a reminder of how quickly immigration rules can shift, and how deeply they can affect lives across borders.

God1000:
Where are delusional trump supporters

God1000:
Where are delusional trump supporters

LOVEGINO:
Make dem ban all of us. Make we make we kwantry better.

UzorIyke:
Because your family no dey there, If your family is like 2 or 3 making a living there u won't say such thing here.

koladata:
Anything that will make their country great is fine. Nigeria is where we are today because we allowed everyone , no record , no database for the living or death . Even dead people are part of ministerial appointment

This must be the hell Jesus promised sinners in the Bible, I knew I was a bad boy in my paste life,

ZaddyJ:
https://businessday.ng/news/article/u-s-travel-ban-will-not-affect-permanent-residents-green-card-holders-immigration-expert/?utm_source=auto-read-also&utm_medium=web&amp

enemyofprogress:
This news just dey make me happy. All my friends and neighbors wey dey do gra gra to me because of America will now come back home and level up with me. I'm so happy.

lucianohase:
US government have made their rules.......let many Nigerians who want to travel for greener pastures or vacation , think of other countries, Canada, Australia, Scotland, Ireland, new Zealand, Luxembourg, Norway, some other good western European countries.. South Korea, japan, even china.......these countries are very good countries, some may even have far better prospects than the US.. Every one should forget US for long, until there are changes in their immigration policy , if at all it will....

Efikman:
Tinlubu has finished Nigeria

enemyofprogress:
This news just dey make me happy. All my friends and neighbors wey dey do gra gra to me because of America will now come back home and level up with me. I'm so happy.

xcesspaschal:
Na wetin Muslims extremist dey cause be diz🙄

RodgersAkpafu:
not sure I'll be taking the risk to travel out if I was a US immigrant though

Things are too volatile right now

ufotunang:
..let Nigerians and government develop the country Nigeria and make it better and good and all this japa to USA and other foreign countries and the insults, deportation, embarrassment Nigerians receive over there will reduce and stop... USA and other foreign countries that made their country better, good and well developed are human beings like Nigerians..why can't we developed our own country and make it better and good

bablon20:
Now what will be the fate of those who used persecution as their excuses to japa?

xcesspaschal:
Na wetin Muslims extremist dey cause be diz🙄

Redman44:
Some of us who have tasted the western world and the white man's lands have decided to stay back in Nigeria since 2020. Nigeria has many problems but we have decided to stay back and try and make it at home . Insecurity everywhere but we no send terrorists and bandits. Business must continue. God bless my hustle. Amen.