Kehinde Fajobi
Dr Kazeem Bello, a founding member of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in the US, has shed light on the impact of President Donald Trump’s deportation policies on undocumented Nigerians.
Bello, speaking in his personal capacity, noted that Trump’s immigration stance aligns with his campaign promises but has sparked concern due to the way arrests and deportations are being handled.
“The immigration policies of Mr Trump will definitely affect all immigrants, essentially the immigrants that are undocumented in the US,” he said. While acknowledging that deportation has been a longstanding practice, he pointed out that Trump’s approach differs. “What appears to be the difference with Mr Trump’s policy is that the due process of arresting, prosecuting, and eventually deporting is being skipped.”
He highlighted reports of Nigerians avoiding public places like airports and train stations to evade the clampdown. However, the exact number of affected Nigerians remains unclear.
Addressing claims that Trump’s actions contradict America’s immigrant-driven history, Bello argued, “America is a country built by the sweat and toils of immigrants… but it is the responsibility of every sovereign nation to create and maintain immigration policies.”
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He dismissed allegations that Trump labelled all immigrants as criminals but acknowledged that some Nigerians have been deported for crimes. “Nigerians, of course, have our own share of committing crimes in the US, ranging from drug trafficking to financial and cyber crimes.”
Bello also noted that Nigerian communities and legal groups are working to support affected individuals. “There are also several NGOs that have constituted a formidable force to assist any affected immigrant on a case-by-case basis.”
He concluded that Trump’s actions are driven by a political need to demonstrate commitment to his base. “He wants to be remembered as that US President who successfully tackled the age-long border issues in America.”