At the end of January of 2020, the Trump administration extended the travel ban to include 6 new countries: Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan, Eritrea, Tanzania, Sudan, and Nigeria. As a result, immigrants from these countries are banned from entering the U.S. and cannot apply for diversity visas. Nigerian Americans hoping to bring their families to the U.S. are no longer able to do so.
According to the administration, these countries haven't cooperated with U.S. security requirements involving passports and information disclosure. Others believe the administration targeted these countries because of their large populations of Muslims.
The Nigerian government has said it will fix the security issues in order to get the ban removed. But Nigerians are shocked about what they feel is a blanket restriction, especially since individual vetting could have addressed the security concerns the Trump administration cited. The U.S. and Nigeria have been close allies and trading partners for decades, and many worry how this travel ban may affect that relationship. Meanwhile, China, Turkey, Russia, and Britain are continuing to stake positions in Africa that will affect their long-term global economies.
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and, according to a report by the Migration Policy Institute, Nigerians tend to be more educated and hold higher-level positions than the general American population. Economists feel this travel ban could negatively impact the U.S. economy.
Despite protests in the last few years from lower courts and pro-immigrant groups, the Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to implement these bans, beginning with a 5-4 decision in 2018. While the intention was to prevent "radical Muslim terrorists" from entering the U.S., the ban has affected more than 100 million people, a significant portion of whom are Christians.
Have You Been Affected by the Travel Ban?
At Charleston USA Immigration Law Center, LLP, we are a solution-oriented team of attorneys. Immigration policy changes constantly, and we have spent years developing our ability to navigate this unpredictable terrain and provide our clients with the best possible counsel and representation. If you have been affected by sudden regulation changes, we can help you find a solution and plan for the future you deserve.
Contact us today at (843) 276-3311 to schedule your initial consultation.