A U.S.-based professor of social ethics, Nimi Wariboko, has raised concerns over the growing anxiety among Nigerians living in the United States amid a renewed crackdown on undocumented immigrants under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political program on Channels Television, Wariboko highlighted the tense atmosphere within Nigerian communities in the U.S., stating that many undocumented immigrants are living in fear of deportation.
“There are a significant number of Nigerians without proper documentation, and they are deeply worried,” he said, just weeks after Trump began his second term in office on January 20, 2025.
According to Wariboko, community leaders and religious figures are especially concerned for those at risk. “Some Nigerians are now hiding, fearful of possible immigration raids. Even minor disagreements with neighbors can lead to immigration enforcement being called on them. The fear is real, and it’s affecting their daily lives,” he added.
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Sparks Concern
President Trump has intensified efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, whom he refers to as “criminal aliens.” Immigration raids have already taken place in residential areas, workplaces, schools, and shopping centers, leading to deportations to countries like India and Guatemala. While some Americans support the policy, others criticize its harshness.
Wariboko also noted that many undocumented Nigerians feel abandoned by their compatriots back home. “They are asking, ‘If we are forced to return, will there be jobs waiting for us in Nigeria?’” he said.
He further warned that even legal residents and U.S. citizens of Nigerian descent could face difficulties if Trump proceeds with plans to revoke birthright citizenship.
Call for Nigerian Government Intervention
The professor urged the Nigerian government to take a more active role in protecting its citizens in the U.S., emphasizing the potential economic impact of mass deportations.
“Nigerians in the diaspora send billions of dollars home annually to support their families and sustain the Nigerian economy. Even from an economic standpoint, Nigeria should be concerned,” Wariboko stressed.
Citing a 2023 World Bank report, he noted that remittances from Nigerians abroad amounted to $20 billion, underscoring the significant role the diaspora plays in the country’s financial stability.
History of U.S.-Nigeria Immigration Tensions
Trump’s latest immigration policies echo his first term, during which Nigeria was placed on a restricted entry list in 2020 due to concerns over identity management and information sharing.
Official data from 2015 estimates that around 376,000 Nigerians reside in the U.S., making Nigeria the largest source of African immigration to the country.
Despite these challenges, the U.S. remains a favored destination for Nigerian youths and professionals seeking better opportunities, with the diaspora playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy.
