As of January 16, 2026, a major diplomatic and economic storm is brewing between Abuja and Washington. Ambassador Joe Keshi, Nigeria’s former permanent secretary and veteran diplomat, has issued a stark warning regarding the United States’ indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Nigeria.
The policy, set to take effect on January 21, 2026, targets countries deemed “high risk” for usage of public benefits.1 Ambassador Keshi argues that this move is not merely about immigration—it is a direct threat to the $24 billion annual remittance lifeline that keeps millions of Nigerian households above the poverty line.
1. The “Public Charge” Crackdown: What You Need to Know
The US State Department, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, justified the “pause” as a measure to prevent foreign nationals from becoming a financial burden on American taxpayers.
Key Restrictions of the January 21 Order:
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Immigrant Visas Only: The suspension applies to those seeking permanent residency (Green Cards) through family or employer sponsorship.
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Non-Immigrant Exemption: For now, tourist (B1/B2), student (F1), and business visas remain unaffected, though they are subject to “enhanced vetting.”
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The “Vetting Review”: The State Department will reassess English proficiency, financial assets, health status, and age as primary factors for future eligibility.
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No Revocations: Visas already issued before January 21 remain valid; the “pause” applies only to new issuances at consulates.
2. The Economic Stakes: Remittances as a Sovereignty Issue
Ambassador Keshi’s primary concern is the “staggering sum” of $24 billion that Nigerians in the Diaspora send home annually. This capital often bypasses government bureaucracy to fund education, healthcare, and small businesses.
| Stakeholder | Potential Impact of Disrupted Migration |
| Nigerian Families | Increased risk of falling below the poverty line without Diaspora support. |
| SMEs | Reduced startup capital for local businesses funded by relatives abroad. |
| Central Bank (CBN) | Pressure on foreign exchange reserves as private USD inflows diminish. |
| Bilateral Trade | Strained relations during a period when Nigeria is seeking “Renewed Hope” investments. |
3. Correcting the “Public Charge” Narrative
Keshi pushed back against claims from the Trump administration—which recently alleged that 30% of Nigerians in the US live off the state. He countered that Nigerians are among the most educated and hardworking immigrant groups in America, often holding multiple jobs and contributing significantly to the US tax base.
4. Strategic Recommendation for the Federal Government
The veteran diplomat called for an urgent, systematic engagement with Washington. He suggested that Nigeria must:
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Reflect & Understand: Analyze the specific data the US is using to justify the “high risk” label for Nigeria.
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Lobbying & Diplomacy: Leverage the Nigerian-American Diaspora to showcase the net positive economic impact of Nigerian immigrants.
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National Security Alignment: Address any perceived vetting deficiencies that the US claims are driving these blanket bans.
“If remittances are targeted, that is a staggering sum Nigeria stands to lose. We must find out exactly what the motivations are and engage Washington before families start to suffer.” — Amb. Joe Keshi
