US visa policy may undermine over $1bn monthly remittance — Reps

… Call for reinstatement of 5 years multiple entry for Nigerians

The House of Representatives on Tuesday condemned the recent decision by the United States government to shorten the validity of non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens, describing the move as unfair, harmful to bilateral relations, and detrimental to millions of law-abiding Nigerians.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the need for the United States to review its visa policy in light of Nigeria’s US strategic partnership, sponsored by Hon. Muhammad Muktar and four others.

In his lead debate, Muktar noted with concern the decision by the United States Department of State on July 8, 2025, to shorten Nigerian non-immigrant visa validity from the existing five-year multiple-entry visa to a three-month single-entry visa.

He maintained that the imposed three-month single-entry visas will inflict significant consequences across multiple spheres, including business constraints, academic pursuit of Nigerians and diaspora and family strain.

“The House also notes that Nigeria seeks monthly remittances of US$1 billion via diaspora bonds, a strategic objective that will be compromised if travel becomes complicated or uncertain.

“The House recalls that this decision comes despite the longstanding, strategic, and historic relationship between Nigeria and the United States, a relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared democratic values, robust bilateral cooperation and people-to-people engagement.

“The House is worried by the development. The House calls on the US government to immediately rescind the new policy, which reduces visa validity from a five-year multiple entry to a three-month single entry,” he said.

To this end, he underscored the need for the 10th House of Representatives to “rise in defence of the ordinary Nigerian whose aspiration to study, work, or reunite with family in the U.S. now stands threatened by a unilateral policy shift.”

The lawmakers expressed concern that the July 8, 2025, policy change by the U.S. Department of State will have far-reaching consequences on business operations, academic pursuits, and family connections, particularly among members of Nigeria’s vibrant diaspora community.

Muktar, who expressed disgust over the development, observed that both countries have a historic and strategic partnership which has been built on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and robust cooperation in areas such as trade, education and security.

“It is deeply disturbing that this policy shift comes despite decades of goodwill, sacrifices, and bilateral efforts invested by both governments and citizens to promote common goals,” he noted.

The House also highlighted the vital contributions of Nigerians living in the United States, describing them as one of the most educated and productive immigrant communities in the country.

“Nigerians in the U.S. have made enormous contributions to healthcare, technology, academia, arts, and public service. Names like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dr. Bennet Omalu, and Uzoma Asagwara are just a few among many,” he noted.

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