Shehu Sani has reacted to the newly announced U.S. visa restrictions affecting Nigerians and citizens of 23 other countries, describing the policy as exclusionary and discriminatory against what he termed “third world migrants.”
The former Kaduna Central senator urged affected nations to turn inward and prioritise development at home, advising citizens to “stay back and build your country” rather than depend on migration to the West.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an expansion of entry restrictions on foreign nationals from 24 countries, citing “demonstrated, persistent and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting and information-sharing” that he said threaten U.S. national security and public safety.
The affected countries include Nigeria, alongside several others across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Oceania, a move that has reignited debate over global migration policies, security concerns and the future of international mobility.
Reacting via his official X handle on Wednesday, Senator Shehu Sani criticised the breadth and implications of the new restrictions, noting that many initially misunderstood the scope of the policy.
“The first visa ban focused on those who engage in acts of religious persecution, and many jubilated on social media, thinking it applied only to government officials,” he wrote, warning that the latest measures extend far beyond that assumption.
The second visa restriction is no longer selective; it affects everyone now that Nigeria is among the 23 listed countries.
Senator Shehu Sani criticised the U.S. visa restrictions, arguing that the affected countries are largely Black African and Caribbean nations, raising concerns about selective and discriminatory application. He said the policy sends a clear message that “third world migrants are not welcome.”
The White House said the policy includes a full suspension on eight countries and partial restrictions on 16 others, covering several visa categories, and justified it as a security measure due to insufficient information to assess potential risks.