Revocation Of Prof Wole Soyinka’s U.S.A. Visa — National Insult? Political Vendetta? or Consular Prerogative?

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*Revocation Of Prof Wole Soyinka’s U.S.A. Visa — National Insult? Political Vendetta? or Consular Prerogative?* [By Dr. Ope Banwo, Esq. Founding Partner, Banwo & Igbokwe Law (U.S.A.)

10 Facts All Nigerians Need to Know About Non-Immigrant Visas to the United States of America

1️⃣ *The Controversy: A Nobel Laureate in USA Visa Storm*

When news broke that the United States had revoked the visa of Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, many Nigerians reacted with disbelief and outrage. How could a man so globally revered for his intellect and courage suddenly be placed on America’s immigration “no travel” list? How can america cancel the visa of someone just honored with the highest national award in the land ?

Almost immediately, conspiracy theories began to fly. Some said it was a political vendetta by the Trump administration; others argued it was America’s way of humiliating Nigeria. Many went back to 2016 and tried to connect this development to Soyinka’s dramatic gesture of tearing up his U.S. green card after Donald Trump’s election.

However, while anything is possible, that conclusion by many does not align with the facts. Fact is after that symbolic protest against Trump Election in 2016, Prof. Soyinka was still granted a new U.S. non-immigrant visa — the very visa that has now been revoked. That means the United States clearly did not hold his past protest against him at the time.

Of course, l it’s also possible the current Trump-aligned administration decided to revisit that symbolic “thumbing down on Trump” moment as part of a broader retroactive enforcement campaign but I think It is far more likely an administrative or policy review, not a personal vendetta.

In fact, over the last year or 2, U.S. consulates across the world have quietly been re-examining visa records to identify past misuse. Nigerians are among those affected, especially those who once travelled “for vacation” but ended up having babies in America under visitor visas — a practice the United States now classifies as visa fraud or misuse of visa category.

2️⃣ *A USA Visa Is a Privilege, Not a Right*

It is vital that Nigerians understand a fundamental principle of U.S. immigration law: a visa is not a right — it is a privilege.

Under Section 221(i) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a visa can be revoked at any time if new information emerges, if circumstances change, or if the consulate loses confidence in the holder’s eligibility. And The Consular Officer is not evne obligated to explain to you in details why they canceled or deny your visa

It’s that bad and it’s not a new policy either. It’s been there since before I was born 🤷🏿‍♂️

A visa is not ownership of entry into America. It merely allows you to approach the border and ask for permission to enter. The final authority to allow you in rests with the U.S. government at all times, and they can change their decision without warning or explanation.

3️⃣ *America’s Absolute Discretion in Visa Matters*

Unlike in places like Uk where you may appeal visa denial or complain to an Ombusdman, The United States government retains absolute discretion over visa decisions. Under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a visa may be denied or revoked if the person’s presence is deemed “detrimental to the interests of the United States.”

This provision gives American consular officers almost limitless power over non immigrant visas.

They do not need to prove wrongdoing or issue a formal explanation. *The same rule has been used to revoke or deny visas to African politicians accused of corruption, election interference, or anti-democratic conduct, even without any conviction in court.*

Therefore, the revocation of Prof. Soyinka’s visa is not unique or even extraordinary. It simply reflects how the United States enforces its laws — firmly, quietly, and without apology.

4️⃣ *Contrary to the global Hysteria, Trump Has Not Created Ant New Immigration Laws Yet*

One important truth Nigerians must understand is that President Trump has not created any new immigration law or even a new major policy.

What he has done — and done effectively — is to enforce the existing laws and existing policies that have always been on the books, but which previous administrations often ignored or applied lightly.

For example, the legal authority to revoke a visa without explanation, or to deny visas to those suspected of misuse, predates Trump by decades. Every U.S. administration since the Immigration and Nationality Act was enacted in 1952 has had this power though few exercised that power as extensively as Trump govt appears to be doing

So while many may dislike Trump’s personality or his political rhetoric, he cannot be demonized for strictly enforcing existing U.S. laws. His government has simply chosen to apply those laws more rigorously than before. That is policy enforcement, not persecution of aliens or evidence of racism in my opinion.

5️⃣ *Possible Legitimate Grounds for Canceling Soyinka’s Visa*

From a legal and professional standpoint, three plausible reasons could explain what happened:

1. Administrative or Compliance Issue: Prof. Soyinka reportedly declined to attend a “re-interview” requested by the U.S. Consulate.

Under American immigration procedures, refusal to appear for such a review is grounds for automatic visa reassessment or cancellation.

2. Policy Reassessment: The U.S. consulate may have revisited his visa category, travel patterns, or stated purpose of travel in light of tightening post-issuance scrutiny.

3. Symbolic or High-Profile Enforcement: In high-profile cases, the consulate sometimes acts to send a message that no individual, no matter how famous or respected, is above compliance.

6️⃣ *The “Additional Information” Clause — America’s Catch-All Justification*

According to verified reports, the U.S. Consulate’s notice to Prof. Soyinka stated that “additional information became available after the visa was issued.”

This phrase is standard and intentionally vague. It is used when a visa revocation is not tied to any crime but to new facts or reassessment of circumstances. It could mean changes in travel history, new data cross-checks, or a policy shift in eligibility criteria.

In simple terms, it means: “Something new came up — and we decided to withdraw the privilege.”

7️⃣ *No Legal Representation or Right of Appeal*

Here is a crucial point most Nigerians do not know: you have no legal right to appeal a U.S. visa denial or revocation for non-immigrant visas.

You also have no right to appear with a lawyer or request a hearing when your visa is revoked. This is because of a long-standing doctrine known as “consular non-reviewability.”

In other words, the decision of the consular officer is final and cannot be challenged in any court. The only thing you can do is send a “Request for Reconsideration” email to the consulate, but they are not obliged to respond — and often do not. Once a visa is revoked, it is gone unless you reapply afresh and meet all new requirements.

8️⃣ *Understanding Visa Fraud — The Hidden Trap*

Visa fraud is defined under 18 U.S.C. §1546 as any deliberate misrepresentation or concealment in order to obtain or use a U.S. visa.

Many Nigerians think visa fraud only means using fake documents, but it covers much more. Examples include:
• Claiming to be employed when you are not.
• Submitting falsified bank statements.
• Concealing a previous visa refusal or deportation record.
• Declaring a purpose of “tourism” or “vacation” and then staying to give birth in the United States.

The last example — giving birth while on a visitor visa — has become an increasingly serious issue. U.S. authorities now classify it as visa misuse because the traveler’s true intent differs from the declared reason for travel.

Many Nigerians who once gave birth in the U.S. on visitor visas are now finding their visas quietly revoked or not renewed years later as those records resurface under stricter enforcement.

9️⃣ *Your Words and Actions on Social Media Now Matter On USA Visa Matter*

One new reality many Nigerians still do not grasp is that your online behavior can now determine your visa approval fate. Or the cancellation of the one you have.

In recent years, the United States has officially added social-media vetting as part of its visa-screening process. Every applicant is now required to list at least two of their active social-media handles—Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, or others—on the visa application form.

*That means visa officers are no longer limited to your documents; they also review your public digital persona. What you post, what you like, what you retweet, and even how you talk about America or its leadership can legitimately be taken into account when deciding whether you are a “low-risk” or “high-risk” traveler*.

So if you have spent years online ridiculing the United States, mocking its presidents, or openly declaring hostility toward its government or people, do not be surprised if your visa is quietly denied or revoked. Immigration law gives the consulate full discretion to treat such conduct as evidence that your visit may not be in America’s best interests.

It is therefore not unreasonable that the U.S. might scrutinize Prof. Wole Soyinka’s own public record. He did not just criticize America in private; he dramatically tore up his green card and publicly ridiculed Donald Trump’s election in 2016, vowing never to have anything to do with America again once its citizens had chosen Trump.

*With that background, one cannot help but ask a fair question: if a man has publicly declared that he wants nothing to do with America, on what moral ground does he now stand to complain if his U.S. visa is withdrawn?*

As stated earlier, there is no official evidence linking his 2016 protest to this current revocation, but the optics remain uncomfortable. It highlights an irony—the same freedom of speech that allows you to attack a government online also empowers that government to reassess whether it still wants you on its soil.

🔟 Most importantly, 10 Thingd Nigerians Must Learn from This Episode

1. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. It can be revoked at any time.

2. No one is immune — not even a Nobel Laureate.

3. You have no right to appeal a visa revocation. You can only request reconsideration.

4. There is no guaranteed reply to your reconsideration email.

5. Visa misuse follows you for life. Even small misrepresentations can haunt future applications.

6. Visitor visas must be used for what they are issued for — short visits, not childbirth, study, or employment.

7. Do not demonize Trump for enforcing immigration laws that have been in the books for decades. Trump didn’t pass new laws. H le has only determined to enforce every letter of the old laws and policies already in place for decades

8. The U.S. government operates by system, not sentiment. They do not care about your national status, wealth or personal accomplishments

9. Your public actions can affect your visa file. Always be transparent and consistent.

10. Respect the rules of any country you visit. It is a mark of personal discipline and national pride.

The Final Word — America’s System Runs on Law, Not Emotion

At its heart, the U.S. immigration system operates on law, policy, and data — not emotion or sentiment.

Once the U.S. government feels that trust has been compromised, it can withdraw a visa without explanation. Prof. Wole Soyinka’s situation is not a national humiliation but a powerful reminder that even global icons must operate within the same immigration framework as every other traveler.

In America’s immigration system, discretion is law, and sentiment is not evidence.

— Dr. Ope Banwo, Esq.

*Author’s Note* – This Article Does NOT Constitute Legal Advise!

Dr. Ope Banwo, Esq., is a Founding Partner at Banwo & Igbokwe Law (USA), an immigration attorney licensed in the State of New York and Federal Bar of Nebraska since 1997, and a public policy commentator.

The opinions expressed here are for general education and do not constitute legal advice.