The United States government has issued a stern warning to Nigerians about the repercussions of engaging in visa fraud and illegal immigration, stating that such actions could lead to a permanent ban on obtaining a visa. This warning was shared in a post on the official X page of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.

“Individuals who commit visa fraud will face a lifetime ban from entering the United States,” the statement highlighted. It also emphasized, “A nation without borders is not a nation,” illustrating the U.S. government’s ongoing dedication to securing its borders and enforcing strict immigration regulations.

Furthermore, the U.S. has indicated that it will actively seek criminal charges against those involved in visa-related offenses, including individuals who assist or shelter undocumented migrants. This involves sponsors, agents, and smugglers who contribute to the rise of illegal immigration, a practice that has become increasingly prevalent in parts of West Africa.

This warning comes as concerns grow over the increasing number of Nigerians attempting to enter the United States through fraudulent means.

In recent years, U.S. immigration officials have reported numerous incidents involving fake documents, marriage fraud, and misrepresentation during visa interviews. These actions not only threaten the integrity of the U.S. immigration system but also put individuals at risk of detention, deportation, or prosecution.

Several African nations have recently encountered visa restrictions or travel bans from the United States. Initially, countries like Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan were subject to a travel ban. More recently, Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo faced partial restrictions.

Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia have also seen a reduction in the validity of certain visas, often attributed to security issues, insufficient cooperation on deportation matters, and inadequate identity verification processes.

Additionally, the U.S. has mandated that the social media accounts of all foreigners applying for visas will be examined for any signs of hostility towards the country’s citizens, culture, government, institutions, or foundational principles.

Nigerians are encouraged to refer to official resources, such as the U.S. Embassy or Consulate websites, for reliable information regarding visa applications.

In a striking commentary that has reverberated across the globe, a French lawmaker lamented the inability of US politicians to confront Donald Trump. This remark followed the remarkable success of his recent speech, where he condemned Trump as the ruler of “Nero’s court” and characterized his advisor, Elon Musk, as a “buffoon on ketamine.”

The main chamber of France’s upper house, the Senate, is traditionally known for dignified discussions and formal rhetoric. However, Senator Claude Malhuret, a veteran politician aligned with President Emmanuel Macron, captivated a global audience last week with his vibrant and unrestrained language.

“Washington has become Nero’s court, with an incendiary emperor, submissive courtiers, and a buffoon on ketamine orchestrating a purge of the civil service,” he declared passionately, drawing a vivid parallel between Trump and the infamous Roman emperor known for his tyranny.

Malhuret’s speech didn’t just stop at critiquing Trump; he also took aim at Musk, the billionaire owner of the social media platform X and the world’s richest individual, who has taken the reins of Trump’s federal cost-cutting strategies. Translated into English by eager social media users, Malhuret’s fiery eight-minute address has been viewed millions of times, garnering attention from global news outlets.

‘Never Imagined’

With a hint of astonishment, the former doctor and minister recounted the unexpected reach of his speech, especially in the United States. “I never imagined that an internet user would spontaneously translate it into English and that it would go viral to such an extent, particularly in the United States,” he reflected in an interview, highlighting the unpredictable nature of modern communication.

He explained that his remarks echoed the deep “concern” and “anger” felt by many Americans during a Senate debate focused on the pressing issues of Ukraine and European security. “Judging by the overwhelming number of messages I received afterward, it appears that Americans today feel their politicians are unable to confront Trump,” he asserted.

Malhuret pointed out that Republicans are paralyzed by fear of retribution, opting for silence even when they disagree with Trump. Meanwhile, Democrats are still grappling with the aftermath of their recent presidential defeat, leaving the party disorganized and uncertain. He shared that numerous messages he received posed the poignant question, “Why does it take a French politician to voice this when no one in the U.S. is stepping up?”

He observed that even some of Trump’s supporters are beginning to feel disillusioned, recognizing that “things are starting badly and that the stability of the world order is under threat.”

‘Dictator Supported by a Traitor’

During his impassioned speech, Malhuret articulated a dire warning that Europe stands at a “critical juncture in its history.” He expressed deep concern that “the American shield is slipping away,” which could lead to Ukraine being left to fend for itself and result in the empowerment of Russia.

He assessed Trump’s message—portrayed as the “king of the deal”—as dangerously misleading, suggesting that his allies would be wise to acknowledge that loyalty may not guarantee protection. Malhuret accused Trump of presiding over a “seizure of democracy,” vehemently stating that “never in history” has any US president “surrendered to the enemy.” He underscored that they are now in conflict with a dictator, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and infamously declared, “Now we are fighting against a dictator supported by a traitor.”

Furthermore, he recounted a moment from a tense meeting in the Oval Office, where Trump had deigned to treat Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—an esteemed “war hero”—as little more than a “stable boy.”

In his follow-up interview, Malhuret insisted that, compared to the daily tirades from Trump and Musk, his own words were delivered with a degree of respect. “I don’t insult them,” he stated firmly, while acknowledging that he favored “colourful expressions.” He elaborated, “I prefer vibrant language to insults or curses,” underscoring his belief in the power of thoughtful discourse.

In an unexpected turn of events, workers in Washington, D.C., began the process of dismantling the vibrant “Black Lives Matter” street mural that had adorned a roadway near the White House since June 2020. This mural, a bold statement crafted from large, eye-catching yellow letters, emerged in the wake of nationwide protests ignited by the tragic police killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man whose death sparked a critical conversation about racial justice and inequality.

City officials had once lauded the mural as a powerful symbol that helped calm tensions in an area that had witnessed violent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement just days before its installation. It stood as a testament to a moment in history when citizens rallied for change, advocating for a more equitable society.

However, with President Donald Trump back in office in January, pressures mounted to erase such symbols of the social movements that had flourished during his absence. The former president aimed to dismantle the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices that proliferated in various sectors post-protests, and his aides and Congressional Republicans eyed the mural as a target in their quest to reshape the governance of Washington, an overwhelmingly Democratic city.

Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat navigating a complex political landscape, extended her hand toward the Trump administration in an effort to foster a cooperative relationship, hoping to avert drastic changes to the city’s self-governance. Amid fears that proposed mass layoffs of federal workers under Trump and his affluent advisor Elon Musk could jeopardize the city’s economy, Bowser was resolute. “We have bigger fish to fry than fights over what has been very important to us and to the history, and especially in our ability to keep our city safe during that time — that mural played a very important part,” she emphasized to reporters last week. Yet, she acknowledged the decision had its consequences, saying, “I’m not going to talk about specifics… but I think it’s safe to say that people don’t like it, didn’t like it.”

As jackhammers reverberated through the streets on that fateful Monday, the air was tinged with a sense of loss, while numerous onlookers paused to capture the moment on their cameras. Among them were two African American women who had come to say their goodbyes to the mural, visibly disheartened by the decision to erase this poignant piece of their city’s history. Both women identified as lifelong Democrats, and they felt deeply that the mural represented much more than just art; it was a significant marker of societal progress.

“It’s history… and now they’re basically saying it didn’t happen,” lamented a 54-year-old caregiver from nearby Virginia, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to her political involvement. “The money you’re spending to remove it could’ve been allocated to so many other pressing needs,” she added, her voice shaking with frustration.

“What’s next?” inquired her friend, 57-year-old Tajuana McCallister, a dedicated healthcare worker from Maryland. With a disenchanted glance toward the White House, she remarked, “Black history clearly doesn’t matter to him.” She reflected on the mural’s initial intent, arguing that its presence communicated compassion and recognition from leaders who professed to listen to the concerns of the community. Its removal, she concluded, sends a stark message about what leadership values – or blatantly dismisses.