Why Biden Lifted Visa Restrictions Trump Placed On Nigeria – US Govt

The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has said President Joe Biden revoked the immigrant visa restrictions placed on Nigeria because of the US close ties with Nigeria.

Recall that former US President, Donald Trump had in February 2020 placed an immigrant visa ban on Nigeria, citing Nigeria’s lack of a robust database.

But Biden in January 2021 signed some executive orders including the lifting of the immigrant visa ban placed on Nigerians.

In a press statement titled, ‘Secretary Blinken’s Call with Nigerian Foreign Minister Onyeama’, by a spokesperson at the US Department of State, Ned Price, quoted Bliken as reiterating the US support for Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the new Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

The statement read, “Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama to highlight the importance that the United States places on our relationship with Nigeria.

“Secretary Blinken outlined a holistic approach to the U.S.-Nigeria partnership based on our shared values of democracy, respect for human rights, and robust people-to-people relations.

“Acknowledging the threats that violent extremists pose to Nigerian and regional security, he welcomed President Buhari’s recent appointment of military service chiefs to bring new approaches to combat terrorism in the northeast and provide national security throughout the country.

“Secretary Blinken referenced President Biden’s revocation of immigrant visa restrictions on Nigeria as an affirmation of the close ties between Americans and Nigerians.

“Secretary Blinken reiterated U.S. support for Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala as the new Director-General of the WTO.”