Nigerian students studying in the United States could face deportation if the administration of President Donald Trump determines that their stay is not in the country’s best interest.
The U.S. witnessed a significant increase in foreign student enrollment in 2024, following stricter visa policies in other popular study destinations.
According to a U.S. government report, Nigeria ranked seventh globally and first in Africa for international student enrollment in the 2023/2024 academic year, with 20,029 Nigerian students—a 13.5% increase from the previous year.
Commenting on the issue, U.S. Senator J.D. Vance emphasized that the matter extends beyond free speech, calling it a national security concern. He stated that if the Secretary of State and the President decide a foreign student should not remain in the U.S., deportation would be a straightforward process.
“We will certainly see some students on visas being deported if it’s determined that their presence is not in the best interest of the United States,” Vance said.
He also highlighted concerns about elite universities prioritizing foreign students who pay full tuition over middle-class American students. “At institutions like Columbia or Harvard, well-qualified American students may lose spots to foreign applicants, some of whom pay as much as $100,000 per year,” he added.
Vance stressed that the issue is not only about national security but also about ensuring American students have fair access to higher education. He confirmed that the matter remains under review by U.S. authorities.
