US Warns Nigerians Against Overstaying Visas, Threatens Permanent Ban and Prosecution

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a stern warning to Nigerian travelers, stating that overstaying their visas in the U.S. could lead to a permanent travel ban and possible criminal prosecution.

In a message released via its official X handle on Monday, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria left no room for doubt, stressing that consular officers have full access to immigration history and will be aware of past visa violations.

“If you overstay your U.S. visa, you could face a permanent ban on travel to the United States as well as criminal prosecution,” the statement read.

This warning comes amid reports of mass immigration raids across the U.S., with authorities targeting undocumented individuals in homes, schools, and workplaces. Data from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals that approximately 3,690 Nigerians currently face deportation.

Additionally, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that 201 Nigerians are being held in U.S.immigration detention centers, with 85 already cleared for deportation.

The U.S. government’s renewed crackdown on visa overstays highlights the importance of compliance with immigration laws. Nigerians traveling to the U.S. are urged to adhere strictly to visa regulations to avoid severe consequences.