*USA VISA ALERT FOR YOU (IF YOU HAVE EVER HAD A CHILD BORN IN USA) — PLEASE READ*
Hey Fam,
I know some of us still think all this talk about U.S. visa cancellations is being blown out of proportion — but honestly, what’s happening right now is not normal at all.
Today (Oct 16th alone. I woke up to distressed calls from TWO separate clients who went to American embassy in lagos today’), I’ve had two of my own long-term clients hit with shocking multiple visa cancellations — not rumours, not gist — actual clients I’ve personally represented for years.
* CASE ONE*
Billionaire Real Estate Developer
This one will shock you. My client — a well-known Lagos property mogul — got an email from the U.S. Embassy titled “Update on Your Visa.” He went in with his wife and kids thinking it was a routine check.
By 1 p.m. Nigerian time today, just like 2 hours ago) all their visas were cancelled because the wife gave birth to a baby in the U.S. 15 years ago!
This man has 3 homes here in the U.S. that I helped him buy. No overstays. No issues. Just that baby born in 2010 — and that was enough. The embassy officer said she didn’t care that he didn’t owe on his hospital bills for the USA birth though there is no official regulation against it then or even now
* CASE TWO*
Bank Director
whom I got Approved for L1 Visa (intercompany transfer )
, a senior bank director, had his L1 visa petition already approved after spending over $40,000 in legal fees and company filings. He even paid for premium processing. When he went for his stamping in Lagos, the Embassy cancelled his 10-year multiple-entry visa (and his wife’s too) that he has even used to come to USA Twice this year because she gave birth here in February this year.
Mind you, he paid all hospital bills — over $102,000 — in full. No debts, no Medicaid, no funny business. Yet, they still cancelled everything both the BI visa AND the USA Approved L1.
* CASE THREE*
Bank GM.
, a senior bank director, had his L1 visa petition already approved after spending over $40,000 in legal fees and company filings. He even paid for premium processing. When he went for his stamping in Lagos, the Embassy cancelled his 10-year multiple-entry visa (and his wife’s too) that he has even used to come to USA Twice this year because she gave birth here in February this year.
Mind you, he paid all hospital bills — over $102,000 — in full. No debts, no Medicaid, no funny business. Yet, they still cancelled everything both the BI visa AND the USA Approved L1.
* CASE THREE*
Bank GM.
Another one — a GM who attended an oil conference in Houston earlier this year. He came in to USA and left within 20 days, no incident. Two months later, he got an email to bring in his passport. Visa revoked. Reason? His wife had a baby in the U.S. in 2009.
These are not random stories from Facebook. Two of these men I know intimately and have represented for years. Straightforward, rule-abiding guys who always keep things clean.
Now here’s the real gist: this crackdown seems to have started quietly within the last 30–45 days. Lots of colleagues are talking about it . There’s no official memo or regulation outlawing childbirth in the U.S., but officers are now digging up records from as far back as 15–20 years ago and cancelling visas.
I used to think some colleagues were exaggerating when they mentioned it (and that maybe their clients have violated some immigration rule) — until it landed on my desk.
Honestly, this one shook me. I’ve been in U.S. immigration law for almost 27 years, and it takes a lot to surprise me — but this one did.
So please, if you or your spouse ever had a baby in the U.S., even many years ago, tread carefully for now about coming to USA . If it’s not a critical trip you must make, postpone it . It’s not worth being embarrassed and sent back or getting your visa cancelled (if it’s cancelled it’s almost impossible to get a new one after that )
If you can, unless you are now a Greek card holder, avoid renewing your visa or travelling now until things stabilize. Some people are even being called back to the embassy after recent trips and having their visas revoked.
Again I am referring to those of us who came in to USA and had children who are still under 21 and have not yet filed for green card for you.
For now, if you must travel, maybe consider Canada, Europe, or the Caribbean. Stay off the Trump’s radar until this madness cools off. Sure you may get in without incident since it’s random deep dive they are doing now but why risk it?
Again, these are my own clients, not internet stories. Just sharing so none of us get caught off guard.
Yes guys this is me sharing my personal USA law firm experience that happened TODAY (October 16th) and another a few weeks ago, not just sharing some viral stuff someone posted
Written By....
*Ope Banwo*
Banwo & Ighodalo Law Chambers
Ikoyi Lagos
These are not random stories from Facebook. Two of these men I know intimately and have represented for years. Straightforward, rule-abiding guys who always keep things clean.
Now here’s the real gist: this crackdown seems to have started quietly within the last 30–45 days. Lots of colleagues are talking about it . There’s no official memo or regulation outlawing childbirth in the U.S., but officers are now digging up records from as far back as 15–20 years ago and cancelling visas.
I used to think some colleagues were exaggerating when they mentioned it (and that maybe their clients have violated some immigration rule) — until it landed on my desk.
Honestly, this one shook me. I’ve been in U.S. immigration law for almost 27 years, and it takes a lot to surprise me — but this one did.
So please, if you or your spouse ever had a baby in the U.S., even many years ago, tread carefully for now about coming to USA . If it’s not a critical trip you must make, postpone it . It’s not worth being embarrassed and sent back or getting your visa cancelled (if it’s cancelled it’s almost impossible to get a new one after that )
If you can, unless you are now a Greek card holder, avoid renewing your visa or travelling now until things stabilize. Some people are even being called back to the embassy after recent trips and having their visas revoked.
Again I am referring to those of us who came in to USA and had children who are still under 21 and have not yet filed for green card for you.
For now, if you must travel, maybe consider Canada, Europe, or the Caribbean. Stay off the Trump’s radar until this madness cools off. Sure you may get in without incident since it’s random deep dive they are doing now but why risk it?
Again, these are my own clients, not internet stories. Just sharing so none of us get caught off guard.
Yes guys this is me sharing my personal USA law firm experience that happened TODAY (October 16th) and another a few weeks ago, not just sharing some viral stuff someone posted
Written By....
*Ope Banwo*
Banwo & Ighodalo Law Chambers
Ikoyi Lagos
noted.
ReplyDeleteOh well...
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why SDK considers this to be great news. Is there something I'm missing?
ReplyDeleteYes it’s good information for those fall into this category and might want to apply for visa.
DeleteBut I really don’t understand these recent restrictions on visa applications by the US.
I wish immigrants can divert their attention to other countries and leave USA and their shenanigans alone. Those celebrating Trump’s win, I hope you are all happy now!
ReplyDeleteCorrect me if I am wrong but did Obama (a Democrat president) not cancel one of the benefits attached to having a kid in the States?
DeleteWhen he was POTUS, he changed the law, so that kids of non-US residents would no longer be entitled to FAFSA/public funds, because their parents did not contribute taxes and such.
It was not fair that a child will be born in the US, but be raised in their home country. Only to return to the US for university and be entilted to the same financial aid as someone raised in the US, whose parents pay state and federal taxes.
Subtle changes have been made for years, but Nigerians just found loopholes around them. Now, those loopholes are being closed off, loudly...hence all these write-ups and the public outcry!
Sit this one out. No be second wife, cheating, etc kind of news.
Delete22.27, you be mumu.
DeleteHum.nawo o.
ReplyDeleteStella now said it's great news🤦
ReplyDeleteSo the reason for cancelling the visa is giving birth abroad? Is that now a crime?
What he fails to mention in his three case studies, is what type of visa the women used to go and give birth.
ReplyDeleteWhilst it is true that there are no rules outlawing giving birth in the US, it must be done on a medical visa. Yet, so many women go on tourist visas, because it is easier to acquire, and doesn't come with the huge financial requirements attached to a medical visa.
A lot of women get tourist visas; get to the airport and tell the immigration officers that they are on vacation for only a few weeks (with ticket proof); get their stamp; then change the ticket date and pay the airline fine at a later date. After having their baby, they get the baby a US passport and leave the country without paying their bill. Afterall, who will come and look for them in Nigeria?
Just because this man has a couple of clients that supposedly paid their bills in full, doesn't negate the hundreds of thousands, if not millions of women who thought they were "sharp" and had duped the US government.
This is what happens when you have a culture of people who think they have found loopholes around everything. It eventually catches up with you!!
If you want to give birth in the US, then the only 2 words you need to be mindful of are: MEDICAL VISA.
Thank you for this mindful perspective.
DeleteSuch an insightful write up ✍🏽
Delete@E.A 👍👍
DeleteThanks for saving me ink.
DeleteThanks for this explanation.
DeleteOversabi Mr/Mrs EA, abeg park one side.
DeleteI had my child in the US more than10years ago and I remember my interview vividly.
I was obviously heavy and attended the same way for my interview, tummy protruding and all.
When the VO asked purpose of travel, I answered honestly for child birth and after making sure I had my hospital and doctor arranged, he congratulated me and approved my visa.
I dare say, this was the case for my friends and most of the Nairaland mothers who applied the same time as myself. We were 100% transparent, honest and ensured all our bills were paid! No overstaying, no fraud.
I only traveled for childbirth as I didn't feel safe birthing in Nigeria having worked in Healthcare and scared to death due to the high maternity mortality rates!
Would it be fair that the mother's visas suddenly become revoked? And for what reason exactly? Wasn't it the discretion of the VO to grant the visa despite being aware that the purpose was childbirth? Do you think the VO was not aware of a "medical visa"? Should the women be paying for the "sins" or "error" of the VO?
Anyways, thank God for my Canadian passport, this one no concern me.
Nothing concern me with that country sef.
ReplyDeleteFraudulent Nigerians! Great news indeed!
ReplyDelete