US visa panic disrupts Detty December

US Travel Restrictions Force Nigerians to Cancel Detty December Trips Amid Visa Fears

The fear of detention at ports of entry and sudden visa cancellations has forced many Nigerians living in the United States to shelve long-planned trips for Detty December, following fresh travel restrictions imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Detty December, a popular Nigerian phrase, refers to the festive season marked by concerts, parties, family reunions, homecomings, and large-scale celebrations. The term “Detty,” derived from a pidgin twist of dirty, implies carefree and wild fun during the holidays.

However, findings by www.cjsoftflix.com reveal that Nigerians with valid US visas have begun cancelling travel plans due to fears of being denied re-entry, detained, or even deported upon arrival back in the United States.

Heightened Anxiety Among Visa Holders

Several Nigerians who spoke to correspondents expressed concerns that the new US immigration posture could affect not only first-time travellers but also long-term residents, students, and even green card holders.

One visa holder disclosed that the tension surrounding the new policy was so intense that he advised his son, who resides in the US, not to return to Nigeria for Christmas to avoid possible complications at re-entry points.

Since the beginning of Trump’s administration, a series of visa restrictions and travel bans targeting Nigeria and other countries have been introduced, citing the need to reform immigration policies, strengthen border security, and improve vetting processes.

These measures reached a new phase following a proclamation signed by the US President on Tuesday, imposing travel restrictions on Nigerians and citizens of 16 other African countries.

Visa Categories Affected by the Ban

According to the White House, holders of the following visa categories will be barred from entering the United States from January 1, 2026:

B-1 (Business)
B-2 (Tourism)
B-1/B-2
F (Students)
M (Vocational Students)
J (Exchange Visitors)

The restrictions affect a wide range of Nigerians, from tourists and professionals to students and exchange programme participants. Beyond security concerns, US authorities also cited a high rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals as justification.

Nigerians in the US Defer Holiday Travel

A Nigerian politician contesting a council seat in Prince George’s County, Dr Juliet Agocha, said travelling home under the current climate could jeopardise her political ambitions.

She noted that more than 18,000 Nigerian immigrants could be affected by the Trump visa ban, stressing that it was safer to avoid unnecessary risks during the election season.

Similarly, a doctoral candidate and microbiologist at Indiana University said many Nigerian students had abandoned Detty December plans despite completing academic documentation early.

“There is panic everywhere, especially among students. People are worried that if they leave the US now, the Trump administration might block them from coming back,” the student said anonymously.

Green Card Holders Not Spared

An Osogbo-based entrepreneur with a valid US visa revealed that he cancelled a February 2026 trip after learning that a close family member with a green card was detained on arrival in Houston, Texas.

According to him, his aunt was detained by US Customs despite being a frequent traveller between Nigeria and the United States, reinforcing fears that no Nigerian is completely safe under the current visa regime.

“I can’t imagine spending so much on tickets only to be embarrassed and deported,” he said, adding that he would wait until the situation stabilises before travelling.

US Universities Suspend Admission Offers

Uncertainty surrounding student visas has also affected Nigerian applicants, with some US universities suspending or deferring admission offers.

A Canada-based education consultant, Dr Oludayo Sokunbi, disclosed via X that a Nigerian student who secured a fully funded US master’s scholarship was advised to defer admission until 2027 due to the new travel ban.

Several Nigerians shared similar experiences online, raising concerns over non-refundable application fees and deposits already paid to US institutions.

Experts React to the Visa Ban

Reacting to the development, education expert Sulaimon Okewole described the restrictions as an unfortunate policy that could fracture families, disrupt academic dreams, and strain diplomatic relations.

He advised affected Nigerians to consider alternative destinations such as Canada and the United Kingdom, which he described as more welcoming to international students and professionals.

A former Nigerian ambassador, Yemi Farounbi, suggested that the policy was designed to pressure the Nigerian government rather than address genuine security concerns, while a retired diplomat, Mabdul Mohammed, said Nigeria’s security challenges continue to influence Washington’s decisions.

Nigerians Urged to Brace for More Challenges

Foreign affairs analyst Charles Onunaiju warned that Nigerians should prepare for tougher engagements with the United States under Trump’s administration, urging Nigeria to diversify its diplomatic relationships globally.

Attempts to obtain official reactions from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Information were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

For more breaking international news, immigration updates, and in-depth analysis affecting Nigerians at home and abroad, visit www.cjsoftflix.com , your trusted source for reliable news and media coverage.

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