Nigeria Seeks Stronger US Ties Amid Trump’s Immigration Policies

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its congratulations to Donald Trump following his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its long-standing strategic partnership with the US.

The government emphasized the historical ties between both nations, highlighting shared priorities such as good governance, sustainable development, and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. It expressed optimism about deepening bilateral relations under Trump’s leadership to promote the well-being of citizens in both countries.

Trump took the oath of office on Monday in a historic inauguration ceremony held inside the Capitol Rotunda due to inclement weather. His speech addressed key issues, including immigration, border control, economic policies, and national security.

Concerns over Trump’s tough stance on immigration have raised anxieties among Nigerians living in the US. However, Obed Monago, Chairman Emeritus of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas, reassured Nigerians that mass deportations are unlikely due to constitutional and logistical barriers. He pointed out that large-scale deportation efforts would require significant resources, which have not been allocated, and would face resistance from local governments. While acknowledging that immigration policies could become stricter, he described Trump’s deportation threats as largely rhetorical.

A Nigerian technocrat in Minnesota, Chief Azuka Aghenu, cautioned undocumented Nigerians in the US to avoid illegal employment, criminal activities, and driving under the influence, as these could attract scrutiny from immigration authorities. He also warned that Trump’s policies might affect Nigerians traveling to the US to give birth for citizenship purposes. Additionally, Aghenu expressed concerns over rising medication costs under new executive orders, which could impact Nigerians relying on Medicare and Medicaid.

Retired Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie advised Nigerians abroad to plan wisely for their future, particularly for retirement. He encouraged investments in Nigeria and urged the diaspora to embrace African cultural values in relationships, citing the example of Indian communities who resolve disputes without resorting to violence.

International affairs expert Prof. Femi Otubanjo attributed Trump’s aggressive immigration stance to fears among some white Americans of losing political influence due to increasing numbers of non-white immigrants. He described Trump as an extreme right-wing politician catering to nationalist sentiments and suggested that immigration policies under his administration would target individuals with incomplete or inaccurate documentation.

Meanwhile, several Democrat-led states and civil rights groups have filed lawsuits against Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship. The order denies US citizenship to children born to undocumented mothers or temporary visa holders if the father is not a US citizen or lawful resident. Eighteen states, along with Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, have challenged the order, arguing that it violates the 14th Amendment.

State attorneys general, led by Massachusetts, argue that the Supreme Court’s 1898 ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark establishes the right of children born in the US to non-citizen parents to claim citizenship. The legal challenges could be reviewed by the 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals, known for its predominantly Democratic-appointed judges.

The White House has yet to comment on the lawsuits, but legal experts suggest the cases could lead to a prolonged legal battle over one of Trump’s most controversial immigration policies.