U.S. Plans Deportation Of Some Nigerians, Pledges Humane Repatriation
The United States government has announced plans to deport a group of Nigerian nationals, with Lagos designated as the sole point of return.
The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., confirmed that the first set of individuals to be repatriated would include convicted prisoners and those who have violated U.S. immigration laws. He clarified that there would be no alternative locations for deportation, such as Port Harcourt or Abuja.
“The first group will be convicted prisoners—those who have committed crimes and are in U.S. prisons. Some have violated immigration laws, appealed but were denied, and have been ordered to leave,” Mills Jr. stated.
He emphasised that the U.S. aims to ensure a dignified repatriation process under the new administration. According to the envoy, approximately 201 Nigerians are currently in U.S. immigration detention centres, with about 85 already cleared for deportation.
Concerns have been raised about the impact of these deportations, particularly on families in Nigeria who rely on financial support from relatives in the U.S. There are also questions about whether deportees will be given time to settle their affairs before being repatriated.
“We are asking whether they will be given ample time to handle their assets or if they will simply be placed on planes and deported. This could be traumatic, especially for those who have not committed violent crimes,” Mills Jr. noted.
The development has sparked discussions about the broader implications for Nigerian nationals in the U.S. and their families back home.
