By Chidi Ugwu
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has advised Nigerians on the responsible use of the US visa, while urging the citizens to desist from misusing the US visa by engaging in activities with the stated purpose of travel and Visa classification.
Bala Musa, Director, Communication and Media, in a statement, said the Director General, NOA Mallam Lanre Onilu, who gave the advice, said the Agency, in line with its mandate urged Nigerians to note that the security vetting for Visa applicants does not end upon entry into the United States.
He said US authorities will continuously monitor the activities of Visa holders, and Visas can be revoked, while individuals may be deported for violations of immigration or any other US laws.
Onilu reminded Nigerians traveling to the US to declare at the airports all excess cash above the minimum amount allowed by US laws and ensure that items termed as contraband are not included in their baggage.
The DG, NOA, also reminded citizens that overstaying your visa or violating its terms can result in deportation or a lifetime ban from future travels to the United States. “Your Action is harming the chances for other Nigerians with genuine reasons to visit the US”, he added.
The NOA boss urged Nigerian students studying in the US to take appropriate measures to regularize their Visas before their expiration, and also to note that Nigerian tourist visas will be denied by the consular officers if the purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain US citizenship for the child.
It is noteworthy that the United States maintains high screening standards to prevent security threats while encouraging lawful travel for a secure, fair, and transparent visa process.
