‘I can’t bring my Nigerian wife to the U.S.’ — American man laments impact of Trump travel ban
An American citizen, Chris Joondeph, has raised concerns over the renewed United States travel restrictions after revealing that the policy has left him unable to reunite with his Nigerian wife.
The development follows a new presidential proclamation signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which expands entry restrictions to additional countries, including Nigeria.
The move has triggered fresh anxiety among families caught in prolonged immigration processes.
The affected American, Chris Joondeph, a travel content creator, shared his ordeal in a video posted on Instagram on Wednesday.
Joondeph said the policy has placed his family in legal limbo, with no clear pathway for his wife to enter the United States.
According to him, the proclamation was signed on Tuesday and took immediate effect, directly impacting families like his who are awaiting immigration approvals.
Joondeph, who is married to a Nigerian woman named Adenike, disclosed that they have been separated for months due to delays in visa processing.
“We have been waiting for her immigrant visa interview since May 2024,” he said. “With this new travel ban, my wife currently has no path to come to the United States. As things stand, I cannot bring my spouse to the U.S., not even for a visit.”
He added that the situation has made it increasingly unlikely that his wife will be able to travel to the United States in the foreseeable future.
Nigeria was listed among 15 countries placed under partial entry restrictions. U.S. authorities said the affected countries were flagged over persistent shortcomings in screening, vetting, and information-sharing procedures.
Under the proclamation, entry restrictions apply to nationals of countries deemed to pose elevated risks to U.S. security and public safety.
Joondeph expressed concern that the new measures go beyond earlier travel bans, which largely focused on non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, and business categories.
“Previously, spouses and children of U.S. citizens were exempt,” he said. “That exemption is no longer guaranteed. Immigrant visas for Nigerian spouses are now affected.”
He also noted the emotional toll of the prolonged separation, stating that his wife has never visited the United States or met most members of his family.
“We have known each other for five years, and she has never set foot in my home country,” he said. “She has never met the majority of my relatives.”
The White House has defended the decision, explaining that the proclamation maintains full restrictions on 12 previously listed countries, adds full restrictions on five new countries, and imposes partial restrictions on 15 others, including Nigeria.
According to an official fact sheet, exemptions apply to lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests. While case-by-case waivers remain possible, family-based immigrant visa exemptions considered high-risk for fraud have been narrowed.
The administration insists the travel ban is necessary to safeguard national security and strengthen immigration enforcement.
Read Also: President trump imposes new travel ban and restrictions on 19 countries, effective Monday
