Nigerians in America now hide and avoid quarrels over fear of deportation – US-based Professor, Nimi Wariboko

Professor Nimi Wariboko, a Social Ethics expert at Boston University, has raised concerns over the fear gripping Nigerians in the U.S. following President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, Wariboko described the anxiety among Nigerians without legal status, noting that many are living in fear of deportation, hiding, or worried about potential immigration raids.

Trump, who began his second term on January 20, 2025, has ramped up mass deportations, targeting undocumented immigrants in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. While some support his actions, others criticize the harsh policies. Wariboko also highlighted frustration among undocumented Nigerians toward their compatriots back home, who they feel lack empathy for their plight. He questioned whether Nigeria was prepared to absorb returning deportees, especially given the country’s economic struggles.

Beyond undocumented immigrants, Wariboko warned that even legally residing Nigerians could face challenges if Trump succeeds in reversing birthright citizenship laws. He urged the Nigerian government to take a more proactive stance in protecting its citizens, emphasizing that the Nigerian diaspora contributes billions of dollars annually to the economy. He referenced a 2023 World Bank report stating that Nigerians abroad sent home $20 billion in remittances, underscoring the economic impact of mass deportations.

Trump’s crackdown echoes his first-term immigration policies, during which Nigeria was placed on a restricted-entry list in 2020. Despite these challenges, the U.S. remains a top destination for Nigerians seeking better opportunities, with the diaspora playing a vital role in supporting Nigeria’s economy.