Visa restrictions may affect family members of culpable Nigerians – US

The United States has said it may extend its visa restrictions
to the family members of individuals, especially politicians
believed to have undermined democracy in Nigeria during the 2019
general elections.

The US also said the American visas issued to politicians and
others affected by the restriction had been revoked by the
Department of State.

The US Department of State had in a statement on Tuesday
announced visa restrictions as consequences for persons believed to
be responsible for election-related violence and rights abuses
before, during and after the 2019 polls.

It said the decision reflected its commitment to working with
the Nigerian government to end corruption, strengthen democracy,
accountability and respect for human rights.

However, the US Department of State in response to Saturday
PUNCH’s enquiries on Friday said the restrictions would also affect
family members of such individuals “when warranted.”

The statement read in part, “Any individual named in this policy
who already has a visa to travel to the US will be informed that it
has been revoked.

“Any individual named in this policy who applies for a visa to
travel to the United States will be denied one.

“These restrictions may, when warranted, also affect the family
members of those individuals subject to visa restrictions under
this policy.”

It added that while the identities of those who would be
affected by the policy could not be revealed in line with US law
making visa records confidential, it meant that such individuals
were not welcome in the US.

The statement, which was emailed by Nicole Thompson of the State
Department Press Office, further read, “Under US law, individual
visa records are confidential and we cannot provide details as to
who is or will be affected.

“The policy covers those believed to be responsible for or
complicit in, undermining democracy, including those responsible
for or complicity in the rigging of the electoral process;
corruption; vote-buying; intimidation of voters, the media or
election observers through threats or acts of physical violence;
suppression of peaceful protestors; and threats against judicial
independence.

“With these restrictions, we are sending a clear message that
those who undermine democracy or violate or abuse human rights –
and their families – are not welcome in the United States.”