“I Can’t Take My Nigerian Wife Back to America” — U.S. Man Raises Alarm Over Fresh Travel Ban

Renewed U.S. travel restrictions have sparked fresh anxiety after an American travel vlogger spoke publicly about how the policy is disrupting families and leaving many couples trapped in unresolved immigration limbo.

The latest travel ban, introduced through a new presidential proclamation signed by Donald Trump, widens entry limitations to include more countries, with Nigeria now among those affected.

Chris Joondeph, a U.S. citizen married to a Nigerian woman, shared his concerns in an Instagram post on Wednesday, explaining that the new rules have placed him and his wife in an uncertain and distressing legal situation.

According to Joondeph, the proclamation, which took effect on Tuesday, has had an immediate impact on families like his by restricting entry for citizens of countries labeled as posing security and public safety concerns.

Under the updated policy, 15 countries are now subject to partial restrictions, including Nigeria. U.S. officials cited weaknesses in screening processes, background checks, and information-sharing systems as reasons for the decision.

In a video message, Joondeph revealed that his wife, Adenike, currently has no legal pathway to enter the United States. The couple has been waiting for her visa interview since May 2024, forcing them to remain separated.

“It’s now very unlikely that my wife will be able to come to the United States anytime soon,” he said.

Married for a year and a half, Joondeph explained that the prolonged delay has taken a heavy emotional toll on them both.

“We’ve been waiting since May 2024 for her visa interview. With this new travel ban, there’s effectively no route for her to enter the U.S. right now,” he added.

He further noted that Adenike has never visited the United States or met most of his family members due to the restrictions.

“We’ve known each other for five years, and my wife has never stepped foot in the U.S. She hasn’t met most of my relatives or seen my home country,” he said.

Joondeph emphasized that this policy is stricter than earlier travel bans, which mainly targeted non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, and business permits.

“With this new proclamation, immigrant visas for Nigerian spouses are no longer being issued. In the past, spouses and children were exempt, but that exemption has now been removed,” he explained.

Reports reveal that the proclamation keeps full restrictions on 12 previously listed countries, adds five more under full bans, and places partial limits on 15 others, Nigeria included.

An official fact sheet outlines exemptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests. While some family-based visa exemptions have been reduced due to concerns over fraud, waivers may still be granted on a case-by-case basis.

The White House has defended the policy, stating that the travel ban is aimed at strengthening national security and ensuring stricter enforcement of immigration laws.