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“Those Who Commits Visa Fraud Will Be Banned For Life,” – US Warns Nigerians
U.S. Government Issues Lifetime Ban Warning for Nigerians Engaged in Visa Fraud
The United States government has delivered a firm warning to Nigerians and others considering illegal migration or fraudulent entry into the country, declaring that any individual found guilty of visa fraud will be permanently barred from entering the U.S.
In a statement posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, the U.S. reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on immigration-related fraud. It emphasized that coordinated enforcement actions involving multiple agencies are being strengthened to detect, deter, and punish such violations.
“Those who commit visa fraud will be banned from the United States for life,” the U.S. Mission declared.
“A nation without borders is not a nation. We will pursue criminal charges against those who engage in visa fraud and those who bring in and harbor illegal aliens.”
This stern message comes amid increasing cases of unauthorized migration attempts, document forgery, and the exploitation of irregular migration channels. The U.S. government is intensifying efforts to dismantle human trafficking rings and networks involved in facilitating illegal entry.
The warning also underscores Washington’s broader goal of reinforcing border security and holding accountable anyone who seeks to exploit or circumvent the country’s immigration laws.
Clarification on Visa Duration and Misconceptions
The warning follows a separate public advisory issued on July 17, 2025, by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, addressing common misunderstandings about the terms of a U.S. visa.
According to the embassy, a visa’s expiration date does not determine the length of stay permitted in the U.S. Instead, that decision is made by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the point of entry.
“Reminder! The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in the United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date,” the embassy stated.
“To see how long you can stay, check your I-94 (admit until date) at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
This clarification aims to reduce the number of unintentional overstays, which are often due to misinformation about visa conditions. The U.S. Mission stressed that adhering to lawful procedures and honest application processes remains the only legitimate route to gaining entry into the country.
Authorities in the U.S. continue to urge prospective travelers to avoid agents or third parties who promise “shortcuts” or falsify documents for a fee, warning that violators not only risk visa denial but also permanent exclusion from future immigration consideration.
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