The fate of approximately 3,690 Nigerians in the United States hangs in the balance as President Donald Trump tightens immigration laws.
His administration has intensified efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, leaving many in fear of losing their homes, jobs, and security. 
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently released a document outlining the number of non-citizens facing deportation, broken down by nationality.
According to the report, as of November 24, 2024, around 1,445,549 individuals with final removal orders remain on ICE’s non-detained docket.
Mexico and El Salvador top the list, with 252,044 and 203,822 individuals respectively.
Meanwhile, Trump’s promised mass deportation campaign has already begun, with hundreds of undocumented migrants arrested and some flown out on military aircraft.
The crackdown has triggered widespread concern among Nigerians residing in the US without proper documentation.
Many fear they will be among the next group targeted by immigration enforcement officers.
Moreover, Trump has implemented stricter immigration policies, including ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.
The president also signed executive orders declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border while authorizing the deployment of more troops to curb illegal crossings.
In a separate development, diplomatic tensions flared between the US and Colombia over the deportation of immigrants.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially blocked US military planes carrying deportees but later agreed to allow their entry.
“We have overcome the impasse with the United States government,” Petro’s administration confirmed in a statement, adding that deportees would receive “dignified conditions.”
However, before the agreement, Trump had warned of severe consequences, stating, “The United States would immediately impose a 25 percent tariff on all Colombian imports and would raise them to 50 percent after a week.”
In response, Petro retaliated by imposing similar tariffs on US imports.
The standoff between the two leaders underscored the broader impact of Trump’s immigration policies on international relations.
As deportation fears grip the Nigerian community in the US, many are left with difficult decisions regarding their future.
The crackdown not only threatens their residency but also disrupts their means of survival.
However, with no clear resolution in sight, immigrants are urged to explore legal pathways to secure their stay in the country.
