By Ghazali Ibrahim
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a strong warning to Nigerian nationals, cautioning that any form of visa fraud, including falsified documents or dishonest information during application, could result in a permanent ban from entering the United States.
The warning was shared via the embassy’s official handle on X on Monday. It emphasized that visa applicants who submit fake bank statements, forged academic records, or falsify employment and travel histories are in direct violation of U.S. immigration laws.
“Visa fraud has serious consequences. Lying or providing fake documents can lead to permanent visa bans under U.S. immigration law,” the post stated.
The advisory comes amid a broader U.S. crackdown on immigration fraud, particularly in countries with high volumes of non-immigrant visa applications like Nigeria.
The embassy reiterated that anyone found guilty of misrepresentation or document fraud risks lifetime ineligibility for any U.S. visa, and in some cases, criminal prosecution.
The embassy’s statement followed a recent meeting between U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, where immigration cooperation and security were among the key topics discussed.
This warning adds to previous campaigns by the U.S. government aimed at encouraging honest applications and discouraging the use of agents or middlemen who often submit fraudulent documents on behalf of clients.
The embassy advised applicants to seek reliable information from official sources and ensure that all details submitted during visa applications are accurate and verifiable.
