The organisations met in November with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. State Department, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and other federal agencies.
A coalition of organizations advocating for immigration relief for Nigeria has called on President Joe Biden to designate Nigeria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Special Student Relief (SSR) before the administration’s term concludes.
The organisations met in November with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. State Department, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and other federal agencies.
The coalition, which includes the Nigerian Center, Nigerian American Lawyers Association, Amnesty International, and The ONE Campaign, urged the Biden administration to act on the request before President-elect Donald Trump resumes office.
Trump will be sworn into office for the second time on January 20, 2025.
During the engagement session, the lead of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria emphasized the urgency of the request.
Gbenga Ogunjimi, Director of the Nigerian Center and lead of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria, said, “We urge the administration to grant Nigeria Special Student Relief (SSR) designation, or, if possible, Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
“We request that the Biden administration extend these critical protections to Nigerian nationals and students in the U.S. before its term concludes. As the United States transitions to a new administration, we recommend prioritizing this request as a policy recommendation for the incoming administration, particularly given its stated commitment to favoring merit-based immigration. This approach is especially relevant for individuals with skills in demand in the U.S. economy.”
Nigeria’s economy is currently navigating one of its most tumultuous periods, characterized by skyrocketing inflation and a sharply depreciating currency.
The value of the Naira has plummeted, with the exchange rate now standing at N1,664 to the US dollar, compared to N360 per USD just five years ago in 2019.
This drastic decline represents a staggering 362.2% devaluation, resulting in a significant erosion of purchasing power and posing severe challenges for the country’s economic stability.
Nkechi Ilechie, Policy Director of the Nigerian Center and co-lead of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria., said, “This sharp decline has severely impacted families sending remittances to students in the U.S., rendering them unable to afford tuition, housing, and basic necessities.
“These hardships are why, in April of this year, a coalition of over 50 immigrant rights, human rights, faith-based, and community organizations petitioned the Biden administration to designate Nigeria for Special Student Relief (SSR).”