The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has listed 3,690 Nigerians among those with final removal orders from the country.
This places Nigeria second among African nations on the deportation list. Somalia leads with 4,090 citizens, while Ghana follows closely with 3,228.
Nonetheless, The Federal Government has assured those likely to be affected by the new order that it is ready to receive and support them.
Recall that President Donald Trump’s administration has been firm on immigration policies, implementing a series of executive orders aimed at curbing illegal migration. One of his first major directives included an order to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented migrants. The ICE report highlights that over 1.4 million non-citizens are set for deportation, with Mexico and El Salvador having the highest numbers.
For many undocumented Nigerians in the US, the crackdown has intensified fears of forced removal. Some have lived in the country for years, building families and careers, but now face an uncertain future as deportation proceedings accelerate. Many immigrant advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the humanitarian impact of these removals.
While the Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to supporting its citizens who might be affected, officials have also indicated that efforts are in place to facilitate their reintegration should they be sent back. However, questions remain about how well-equipped the country is to handle an influx of returnees, especially amid economic challenges.
With deportations looming, affected individuals are exploring legal options to fight their removal, while others brace for the possibility of returning home. As the Trump administration continues its strict immigration policies, thousands of Nigerians and other affected nationals are left confused in an increasingly hostile environment.
