The United States government has intensified its crackdown on visa fraud and illegal immigration, warning that Nigerians involved in such activities could face criminal prosecution.
This warning comes shortly after the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria acknowledged the federal government’s cooperation in resolving recent visa validity issues, which saw the U.S. reduce Nigerian visa durations to three months with single entry.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria warned that individuals who smuggle or shelter undocumented migrants in the U.S. would face the same consequences as those committing visa fraud.
The Mission further stressed that anyone who enters the U.S. using fake documents would be permanently barred from re-entering the country.
“The U.S. government is committed to combating fraud and ending illegal immigration,” the statement read. “Anyone who engages in visa fraud will be banned for life. A country without borders is not a country. We will pursue criminal charges against perpetrators of visa fraud and those who aid and harbour illegal immigrants.”
**Clarification on Visa Validity**
The latest warning follows a travel advisory issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, clarifying that the expiration date on a visa does not determine how long a traveller can stay in the United States.
Instead, the length of stay is determined by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry. The Embassy advised Nigerian travellers to carefully review their I-94 forms to avoid immigration violations.
“The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in the United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection, CBP, officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date.
“A US visa allows you entry to a US port of entry and request permission to enter. How long you are allowed to stay in the United States is not your visa expiration date.
‘’The CBP determines your ‘Admit Until Date’ upon your arrival and you can check the date by which you must depart online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.”
