The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on the United States to follow established protocols when deporting immigrants from its territory
She made this appeal on Sunday in Abuja after a visit by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a statement released by her special assistant on communication and new media, Magnus Eze, Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed concern over the potential suspension of the U.S. Drop Box Visa System, highlighting the emotional and financial distress faced by many Nigerians in the U.S. following the administration’s announcement to deport certain categories of immigrants.
“With the new U.S. administration, we want commitments. If deportation must happen, it should be dignified,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated, stressing that deportation should be handled with respect. She revealed that around 201 Nigerians are currently held in U.S. immigration camps, with approximately 85 already cleared for deportation.
“Will they be given time to manage their assets, or will they simply be bundled onto planes and sent back?” she questioned, emphasizing the trauma deportation could cause. The minister noted that deportation impacts not only the individuals but also their families in Nigeria, who depend on their remittances for survival and education.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also urged the U.S. government to reconsider its plans to suspend the Drop Box Visa Policy, expressing concern that such a move would place undue burdens on genuine visa applicants. She called for an official statement clarifying the U.S. position on the system to address growing concerns among Nigerians.
The minister further pointed out that over 14,000 Nigerian students are studying in the U.S., with many parents in Nigeria worried about potential changes to student visa policies. She also expressed concern about the future of USAID programs, urging the U.S. to continue its support for humanitarian initiatives in Nigeria and Africa.
Regarding the post-COVID-19 trade relations between the U.S. and Nigeria, Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended progress and encouraged further investments, particularly in mining and the reactivation of the ‘Silent Secretariat’ for bilateral assessments.
In response, Ambassador Mills clarified that the Drop Box Visa Policy had not been suspended but was under review as part of new policy adjustments by the U.S. administration. He assured that USAID remains committed to supporting life-saving initiatives, particularly in healthcare and humanitarian aid, despite some challenges faced by NGOs.
Mills also addressed concerns about democracy in Africa, including the withdrawal of three Sahel countries from ECOWAS and the ongoing fight against terrorism. On deportation, he confirmed that repatriated Nigerians would be returned to Lagos, with no consideration for alternative destinations like Port Harcourt or Abuja. He added that the first group of deportees would include convicted criminals and those who had violated U.S. immigration laws.
Mills reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to strengthening trade relations with Nigeria, emphasizing that the administration would focus more on trade and commerce to sustain the strong relationship between the two countries.
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