The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a stern warning to visa holders, cautioning that overstaying a visa could lead to severe consequences, including criminal prosecution and a permanent travel ban.
In a statement released today, Monday, the US Mission stated:
“If you overstay your U.S. visa, you could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States as well as criminal prosecution.”
The statement further emphasized that US consular officers have full access to individuals’ immigration history and past violations.
“Consular officers have full access to your immigration history and will know about past violations. There is no such thing as an ‘honest mistake’ – it is your responsibility to use your visa correctly,” the statement added.
US immigration laws and policies have undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly since former President Donald Trump took office.
During Trump’s presidency (2017–2021), strict immigration enforcement measures were introduced, many of which continued under subsequent administrations. Some of the most notable policies included:
• The “zero tolerance” policy, which resulted in the prosecution of all illegal border crossings and led to family separations.
• The Travel Ban, commonly known as the “Muslim Ban,” which restricted entry from several predominantly Muslim countries, including Nigeria. This ban was later lifted by President Joe Biden in 2021.
• Stricter public charge rules in 2019, making it harder for immigrants to obtain green cards if they relied on government assistance.
• The enactment of the Title 42 policy in 2020, citing the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed for the rapid expulsion of migrants at the border without asylum hearings.
While President Biden has reversed or modified some of these policies, visa overstay penalties remain stringent. The US government continues to emphasize legal compliance, warning that individuals who violate their visa terms risk severe immigration consequences.
