The Nigerian community in the United States is gripped with fear following President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on undocumented immigrants, a move that has sparked anxiety and uncertainty.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, Professor Imi Wariboko, a Social Ethics scholar at Boston University, highlighted the distress among Nigerians without legal status.
“There are a good number of Nigerians here without papers, and they are deeply worried,” Wariboko said. “Some are hiding, fearing raids. If you quarrel with your neighbors, they could call immigration enforcement on you.”
Trump, who began his second term on January 20, 2025, has prioritized mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, with enforcement agencies conducting raids in homes, schools, workplaces, and shopping centers.
While the policy has sparked mixed reactions, many undocumented Nigerians feel abandoned by their government. Wariboko urged Nigeria to take action, citing the economic impact of deportations.
“Nigerians in the U.S. send billions of dollars home annually, sustaining families and contributing to the economy. Even if you don’t like them, their remittances are crucial.”
He also warned that even Nigerians with legal status could face risks if Trump reverses birthright citizenship laws.
With Nigeria being the largest source of African immigrants to the U.S., concerns are mounting over how a potential wave of deportations could affect both families and the economy. The Nigerian government has yet to respond to the growing uncertainty
