By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Federal Government has called on the United States to adhere to established protocols when deporting immigrants from its territory.
Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs made the appeal in a statement receiving the Richard Mills Jr. U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria at the ministry.
The statement by the State Minister’s Media Aide, Magnus Eze says, Bianca Ojukwu raised concerns over the emotional and financial distress faced by many Nigerians in the U.S since the new administration signaled its intention to deport certain categories of immigrants who have families in Nigeria, and depend on their remittances for survival and education.She revealed that around 201 Nigerians are currently in U.S immigration camps, with approximately 85 already cleared for deportation.
The statement clarified that the U. S. Government remains committed to its USAID programmes and other initiatives, particularly in healthcare and humanitarian aid. Similarly, she assured Nigerian students in the US under USAID will not be affected by reforms embarked by the new U.S Administration. It also explained that Drop Box Visa policy has not been suspended but under review, ensuring that genuine travellers are not unduly burdened while applying for visas.
The statement also expressed United States commitment to strengthening the continued bilateral trade relations with Nigeria.
