A Nigerian man living in the United Kingdom has shared a distressing account of his United States visa application process, alleging he was denied solely because of his nationality. The applicant, who uses the X handle @MaziGomez_, attended his interview at the US embassy in London last month.
The Abrupt Visa Rejection
In a detailed post on the social media platform X, @MaziGomez_ described an encounter that lasted mere seconds. He stated that when his turn came, the female consular officer immediately informed him his application was denied and handed him a rejection letter. The officer did not ask him a single question, offered no explanation for the decision, and refused to look at any of the supporting documents he had prepared. The entire interaction was over almost as soon as it began.
"I knew immediately it was because I’m Nigerian," the man wrote, expressing his firm belief that his passport was the primary reason for the swift denial. His experience has resonated with many in the Nigerian diaspora who perceive increased scrutiny and hurdles in international travel.
Context of US-Nigeria Travel Relations
This personal narrative comes against the backdrop of broader travel policy developments. The man shared his story following news that the United States added Nigeria to a list of countries facing certain travel restrictions. While the specific policy context is complex, many Nigerians view such moves as indicative of a more challenging environment for obtaining US visas, regardless of where they apply from.
The applicant's location in London, a typically less difficult post for many nationalities, makes the perceived blanket denial based on Nigerian origin particularly striking to online commentators.
Mixed Reactions from the Online Community
The story, shared on Legit.ng's platform, ignited a fierce debate among netizens. Reactions on X were divided, reflecting broader opinions on visa adjudication.
Some users expressed sympathy and shared similar experiences. User @didi_Nzute1 commented, "So sorry about that mate, same thing happened to a friend that went for interview in Lagos. His mom and siblings are in US, yet they rejected him." Another, @emiroflagos, claimed, "Same thing happened to me last month. No questions, nothing."
However, others were skeptical of the man's account and offered alternative explanations. User @Quazim11 suggested the denial was based on immigration patterns, not nationality: "It is because majority of you who got America visa from UK never returned after moving to States with tourist visas. They have records." User @Nobleorji pointed to issues like fake documents and overstaying as common reasons, stating, "My brother was granted visa last week... US have nothing against us."
Some questioned the veracity of a truly question-less interview. @Kingprece_ responded, "Bro, no question asked? That's almost impossible, they'll definitely ask you a few ones."
A Pattern of Perceived Injustice
This incident is not isolated. Legit.ng previously reported on a similar case where an applicant named Eddy Young also claimed his US visa was denied swiftly without a thorough check of his documents. In that instance, the officer asked only one question before issuing a refusal. Such accounts fuel a perception among some Nigerians of a systemic bias, whether rooted in broader travel restrictions, historical overstay rates, or other profiling factors.
The conversation continues to highlight the emotional and logistical challenges faced by Nigerian citizens seeking global mobility, and the profound impact of visa policies on individual lives and national perception.
