Former Senator Shehu Sani has issued a crucial advisory to Nigerians and other African nationals whose visas were recently revoked by the United States government under the Donald Trump administration. He has strongly urged them to return to their home countries without delay.
A Stark Warning from the Senator
In a direct message delivered via his social media platform, the former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District warned affected individuals to leave the US voluntarily. The alternative, he cautioned, would be facing enforcement action by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His tweet read: "Nigerians and other thousands of Africans whose visas were recently revoked by President Trump should hasten and leave the country and return home before they get arrested by ICE."
He further elaborated on the profound difference between living abroad and being in one's homeland. Senator Sani emphasized that no matter how comfortable or long one's stay in a foreign nation might be, full integration is often an illusion. He poignantly reminded them, "No matter how long you live in the comfort of your adopted home, you will someday be reminded that it's not your father's house."
The Scale and Reasons Behind the Visa Revocations
This urgent call to action follows a major immigration enforcement initiative launched by the Trump administration. The United States Department of State confirmed the revocation of visas for more than 80,000 individuals. This massive action includes a significant number of Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
The Department stated that this decisive move aligns with President Trump's commitment to protecting American national interests and security. The revocations were not arbitrary; they were based on specific violations and offenses committed by the visa holders.
According to official data from 2024, the primary reasons for the cancellations included:
- 16,000 individuals lost their visas due to Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenses.
- 12,000 individuals had their visas revoked for assault.
- 8,000 individuals were affected due to theft.
Beyond these criminal acts, the US government also cited other serious grounds for the revocations. These included alleged links to terrorism and extremist activities, being considered a public safety risk, and various violations of the conditions of their visas.
The Implications for the Diaspora
Senator Sani's message underscores a harsh reality for many immigrants. His advice to return home preemptively is framed as a practical measure to avoid the trauma and legal complications of potential arrest and deportation by ICE. This situation highlights the precarious nature of immigrant status, even for those who have built a life abroad for many years. The call to return to one's "father's house" is a powerful appeal to national and continental identity, urging citizens to see their home countries as their ultimate sanctuary.
