US visa restrictions: Shehu Sani urges Nigerians to focus on rebuilding Nigeria
Shehu Sani Slams U.S. Visa Restrictions on Nigerians, Says Policy Targets “Third World Migrants”
Former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has reacted strongly to the recent United States visa restrictions imposed on Nigerians and citizens of 23 other countries, describing the policy as exclusionary and discriminatory toward what he termed “third world migrants.”
Senator Sani also urged citizens of the affected countries to remain at home and focus on nation-building, saying, “Stay back and build your country.” The outspoken former senator made his position known via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, according to www.cjsoftflix.com.
Trump Announces Expanded Visa Ban
The reaction follows an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, unveiling expanded entry restrictions on foreign nationals from 24 countries. The White House cited “demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing” as reasons for the move, which it says pose threats to U.S. national security and public safety.
Countries Affected by the U.S. Visa Restrictions
The countries affected by the new visa policy are spread across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Oceania, as well as Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents.
Africa
- Burkina Faso
- Mali
- Niger
- Sierra Leone
- South Sudan
- Angola
- Benin
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Gabon
- The Gambia
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Asia
- Laos
- Syria
- Turkmenistan
Caribbean / Oceania
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Tonga
Middle East / Palestinian Territories
- Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents
Shehu Sani Questions Policy Motive
Reacting to the development, Senator Sani criticised both the scope and the underlying implications of the visa restrictions, noting that earlier bans were perceived differently by Nigerians online.
“The first visa ban focused on those who engage in acts of religious persecution, and many jubilated on social media, thinking it’s only for government officials,” he wrote.
He added, “The second visa restriction is for everyone, now that Nigeria is listed among 23 others.”
Sani further questioned the composition of the affected countries, pointing out what he described as a troubling pattern in the selection process.
“The recent list has no Arab countries but mostly Black Africans and Caribbeans, even though safety and security were used as the basis,” he stated.
“Build Your Country,” Sani Advises
According to the former lawmaker, the message behind the policy is unmistakable.
“The message is very clear: third world migrants are not welcomed. Stay back and build your country or deal with your problems,” he concluded.
White House Explains Visa Suspension
www.cjsoftflix.com reports that a White House fact sheet revealed that the proclamation places a full suspension on eight countries and a partial suspension on 16 others.
The restrictions affect both immigrants and nonimmigrants applying for B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas. The U.S. administration maintained that the measures are necessary to prevent the entry of foreign nationals about whom the country lacks sufficient information to properly assess potential risks.
For more breaking political news and international developments, continue to visit www.cjsoftflix.com for timely and reliable updates.
