The United States government has issued a strong warning to Nigerians about the consequences of overstaying their visas. The US Mission in Nigeria clarified that individuals found guilty of overstaying could face serious penalties, including permanent bans from re-entering the United States.
The US immigration authorities emphasized that consular officers have access to a traveler’s full immigration history, making it nearly impossible to hide previous violations. They also made it clear that overstaying a visa is not considered an “honest mistake,” and it is the responsibility of visa holders to follow the rules.
If a person overstays their visa for more than 180 days but less than a year, they could face a three-year re-entry ban. However, if the overstay exceeds one year, the individual could be banned from entering the US for up to 10 years.
The warning comes amid stricter immigration policies, particularly during the Trump administration, which made efforts to target a broader group of immigrants for removal, with a focus on those in the US illegally, including a push for mass deportations.
This serves as a reminder to travelers that following visa regulations is crucial, as overstays can have long-lasting consequences on future travel to the United States.