The U.S. government has issued a strong warning to foreigners who stay in the country longer than their visa allows.
Overstaying a visa can lead to deportation and a permanent ban from entering the United States again.
The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos also announced they would be closed today due to a public holiday declared by the Nigerian government in honour of late former President Muhammadu Buhari. Visa appointments scheduled for July 15 will be moved to a later date.
In a statement, U.S. immigration officials reminded the public that staying in the country illegally can lead to serious consequences.
“If you stay beyond your authorized time in the U.S., you may be deported and permanently banned from returning,” the statement said.
This warning comes as more young Africans are trying to move to the U.S. for education and job opportunities. Data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shows that many immigration violations are caused by people overstaying their visas.
As a result, U.S. immigration authorities are increasing efforts to enforce the rules and raise public awareness.
Under current U.S. law:
Staying illegally for over 180 days can lead to a 3- or 10-year ban.
In some cases, it may result in a lifetime ban.
For Nigerians hoping to study or move to the U.S., this is a reminder to follow all immigration rules closely, especially as global immigration policies become stricter.
In related news, U.S. immigration officials may deport people to countries other than their home countries with as little as six hours’ notice.
This is part of a new memo from Todd Lyons, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Usually, ICE gives 24 hours’ notice before such deportations, but in emergency situations, it could be done faster—as long as the person has been allowed to speak to a lawyer.
These “third countries” must promise not to harm or mistreat deportees, according to the memo.
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court removed limits on this kind of deportation, allowing the government to carry it out without checking for risks of persecution in the new country. This means the Trump administration may now act more quickly to deport migrants around the world.
