The U.S. travel ban has reignited concerns after an American travel content creator highlighted the challenges it poses for families, leaving many in uncertain legal situations.
The ban, which came into effect following a new presidential proclamation by Donald Trump, expands entry restrictions to several countries, including Nigeria.
Chris Joondeph, a U.S. citizen married to a Nigerian woman, voiced his worries on Instagram on Wednesday, explaining that the travel restrictions have left him and his wife in a difficult and unresolved legal position.
According to Joondeph, the proclamation, signed on Tuesday, immediately impacted families like his. It limits entry for nationals from countries deemed high-risk to U.S. security and public safety.
The latest ban adds 15 countries under partial restrictions, including Nigeria. Officials cited ongoing shortcomings in screening, vetting, and information sharing in these nations.
In a video posted online, Joondeph said his wife, Adenike, currently has no legal route to enter the U.S. The couple has been awaiting her visa interview since May 2024, forcing them to live apart.
“It is now highly unlikely that my wife will be able to visit the United States anytime soon,” he said.
Joondeph, who has been married to Adenike for a year and a half, explained the personal toll of the ban:
“We have been waiting since May 2024 for her visa interview. With the new presidential travel ban, there is currently no path for her to enter the U.S.,” he shared.
He added that the policy has intensified the emotional strain on families already separated by lengthy visa procedures. Adenike has yet to visit the United States or meet most of Joondeph’s relatives.
“We’ve known each other for five years, and my wife has never been able to come to the U.S. She hasn’t met most of my family or set foot in my home country,” he said.
Joondeph noted that this travel restriction goes further than previous bans, which primarily affected non-immigrant visas, such as tourist, student, and business visas.
“Under the new presidential proclamation, the U.S. will no longer issue immigrant visas to Nigerian spouses. Earlier, petitions for spouses or children were exempt, but that is no longer the case,” he explained.
Reports indicate that the proclamation maintains full restrictions on 12 previously listed high-risk countries, adds full restrictions to five more, and imposes partial restrictions on 15 others, including Nigeria.
The fact sheet accompanying the proclamation outlines exceptions for lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and other cases serving U.S. national interests. Family-based visa exemptions with “demonstrated fraud risks” have been reduced, though case-by-case waivers remain possible.
The White House stated that the travel ban is necessary to safeguard national security and enforce immigration laws.
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