WorldStage– The United States Government has given reasons for cancelling visas issued to Nigerians and nationals of other countries, clarifying that it’s done in the interest of national security.
Further responding to the issue, a U.S. Embassy spokesperson, said: “The Trump Administration is protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.
“Prohibiting entry to the U.S. by those who might pose a threat to national security or public safety is key to protecting U.S. citizens at home. Every prospective traveller to the U.S undergoes interagency security vetting.
“The Department’s continuous vetting includes all of the more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid U.S. visas.
“Under the Trump administration, the State Department is revoking the visa in cases, where a foreign visitor, including foreign students, overstays their lawful period of admission, engages in criminal activity, provides material support to a terrorist organisation, or otherwise violates the US law.”
The US Embassy spokesperson further stated that the work was based squarely on the Department’s authorities under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), tools that have existed for decades. Section 221(i) gives the Secretary and Consular Officers discretion to revoke visas at any time, adding: “we use this authority to take action when there is an indication of a potential ineligibility under the INA.
“While we have had this revocation authority for decades, we are using all the information we have to do this on a scale never seen before, in order to keep American borders secure and American communities safe.”
