Former lawmaker Shehu Sani has vehemently reacted to the recently imposed United States travel restrictions on Nigerians, characterizing the action as a unequivocal message that migrants from developing nations are no longer desired. Sani expressed his views on X following the Donald Trump administration's announcement of updated visa restrictions targeting Nigerian citizens seeking entry into the United States.

Under the new and stringent policy, Nigerians are now explicitly barred from entering the US either as immigrants or under several specific non-immigrant visa categories. These restricted categories include the B-1 visa for business, B-2 for tourism, the combined B-1/B-2 visa for both business and tourism, F visas for academic studies, M visas for vocational studies, and J visas designated for exchange programs. The White House formally published these restrictions in a proclamation on its official website, citing a range of concerns that include national security, challenges in adequately vetting visa applicants, and a documented high rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals.

The official proclamation starkly states: "The entry into the United States of nationals of Nigeria as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended." Furthermore, the US government underscored the activities of radical Islamist groups and Nigeria's enduring domestic security challenges as significant justifications for its decision. These factors, it noted, present considerable difficulties in thoroughly verifying the backgrounds and assessing the potential risks associated with travellers from the country.

In his reaction, Shehu Sani clarified what he perceived as an initial widespread misunderstanding of earlier US visa restrictions. He recalled, "They said 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." However, Sani emphasized that the latest restriction is far more encompassing, directly affecting ordinary Nigerians rather than being limited to political office holders or specific government personnel.

Sani further elaborated, stating, "The second visa restriction is for everyone, now that Nigeria is listed among 23 others." He critically observed that the list predominantly comprises Black African and Caribbean countries, conspicuously lacking any Arab nations. Sani argued that while safety and security were presented as the primary rationale, the distinct pattern of the countries included on the list conveys a markedly different underlying message. He concluded his assessment by stating, "The message is very clear; Third World migrants are NOT welcomed."

In light of these developments, Sani offered a direct piece of advice to his compatriots, urging Nigerians to turn their attention inward. He encouraged them to concentrate their efforts on resolving domestic challenges and actively working towards building their own nation, saying, "Stay back and build your country or deal with your problems."