By Comfort Asemota
The fear of detention at US ports of entry and sudden visa cancellations has led many Nigerians in the United States to postpone trips home for Detty December, the festive season marked by parties, family reunions, and celebrations.
This development comes after US President Donald Trump imposed new travel restrictions on Nigerian nationals. Detty, a Pidgin term meaning “wild,” reflects the spirited nature of Nigeria’s year-end festivities.
Many Nigerians with valid US visas have canceled travel plans, concerned they might be denied re-entry or deported upon arrival. This anxiety extends to long-time travelers, students, and even green card holders. One visa holder reportedly advised his son against returning to Nigeria for Christmas due to the tense climate.
Since taking office, the Trump administration has introduced a series of visa restrictions affecting Nigeria and several other countries, citing the need for immigration reform, strengthened border security, and improved vetting of foreign nationals.
The latest proclamation, signed by Trump on Tuesday, restricts entry for holders of B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, covering business, tourist, student, and exchange visitors. The White House also cited a high rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals as part of its rationale.
Nigerians Defer Travel
Some Nigerians residing in the US said they opted against traveling home due to the risks. Dr Juliet Agocha, contesting for a council seat in Prince George’s County, said that returning to Nigeria while running for the 2026 election could jeopardize her political ambitions.
A doctoral candidate and microbiologist at Indiana University added that students had already completed significant academic preparations, making travel during the holidays risky. Many have informed relatives that they would remain in the US to avoid complications.
Another student in Kansas expressed concern that even valid visa holders could face entry difficulties. “Even though I hold a valid visa, re-entry might be challenging,” he said, noting that students returning for the January 2026 semester may face increased scrutiny at US ports of entry.
Fear of Revocation and Detention
The new restrictions have also prompted entrepreneurs and other travelers to cancel plans. One Osogbo-based businessman, with two years remaining on his visa, canceled a February 2026 trip, citing fear of being turned back or detained.
He recounted the experience of his aunt, a regular green card holder, who was detained upon arrival in Houston despite her status, reinforcing the perceived risks. Many Nigerians now feel it is safer to postpone travel until the situation stabilizes.
Some US citizens of Nigerian descent suggested that complications for green card holders may stem from unresolved legal matters, noting that minor infractions could now be scrutinized more strictly under the new policy. Others believe the restrictions have political undertones, targeting African nationals disproportionately.
Impact on Students and Universities
Uncertainty surrounding visa access has forced some US universities to defer admissions. Dr Oludayo Sokunbi, a Canada-based Nigerian running Japa Consults, shared that a fully-funded master’s scholarship recipient was asked to defer enrollment to 2027. Similar deferrals have affected other Nigerian students who had already paid non-refundable fees.
Many students expressed frustration, noting that they had already made significant academic and financial commitments. “This decision could truncate our dreams,” said one student awaiting a January 2026 start.
Diplomatic and Security Perspectives
Former Nigerian Ambassador Yemi Farounbi described the visa restrictions as a policy aimed more at pressuring the Nigerian government than addressing security concerns. Similarly, retired ambassador Mabdul Mohammed noted that US decisions continue to be influenced by Nigeria’s security status. He stressed that reducing terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities is crucial for lifting the restrictions.
Foreign affairs analyst Charles Onunaiju advised Nigerians to brace for increased scrutiny under the Trump administration and to diversify diplomatic engagements globally.
Efforts to obtain official responses from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation were unsuccessful.A
