I Have Told My Son, Who Wanted To Come Home To Nigeria For Christmas, To Cancel His Trip -Father

According to a report by the Punch on Saturday, December 20, 2025, a wave of apprehension is disrupting the travel plans of many Nigerians during the festive Detty December season, as new visa restrictions imposed by the United States government under President Donald Trump take effect. The measures, which broadly target several visa categories including business, tourist, student, and exchange visitor visas, have prompted significant anxiety among Nigerian travelers both in the U.S. and in Nigeria.

For Nigerians residing in the United States, the fear of potential detention at ports of entry or sudden visa complications has led many to cancel planned trips back to Nigeria. The festive period, traditionally a time for family reunions and celebrations, is now overshadowed by uncertainty. Dr. Juliet Agocha, a Nigerian political candidate in Maryland, cited the significant political risk of traveling under the current climate, noting that over 18,000 Nigerian immigrants could be impacted.

The concern is particularly acute among students. A doctoral candidate at Indiana University explained that many have abandoned holiday travel to avoid jeopardizing their academic standing, with some having completed extensive documentation as early as December 1. “There is panic everywhere,” he stated. “People are worried that if they leave the U.S. now, the Trump administration might block them from coming back.” This sentiment was echoed by a student in Kansas, who expressed a belief that the policy feels personally targeted.

The hesitation extends to visa holders in Nigeria who have postponed or canceled upcoming trips due to fears of revocation and the traumatic prospect of being turned away at the border. An entrepreneur from Osogbo with a valid visa canceled a scheduled February 2026 trip, citing the unpredictable nature of the new rules. His decision was reinforced by a distressing family experience: his aunt, a green card holder, was detained upon arrival in Houston this week and remains in custody.

A Lagos-based visa holder summarized the prevailing caution, explaining his decision to advise his son against traveling. “I have told my son, who wanted to come home to Nigeria for Christmas, to cancel his trip,” he said, emphasizing the logical fear that a valid visa today could be canceled tomorrow, potentially stranding family members or resulting in financial loss.

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