The United States Embassy in Lagos has clarified the recent controversy surrounding the reported revocation of Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka’s U.S. visa, emphasizing that visa issuance is a privilege granted at the discretion of the U.S. government, not an automatic right.
In an official statement, the embassy reiterated that all U.S. visas, regardless of an applicant’s status or reputation, are subject to the laws and policies governing international travel and immigration. The embassy further explained that possessing a valid visa does not guarantee entry into the United States, as final decisions rest with immigration officers at the port of entry.
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While the embassy did not disclose specific details regarding Soyinka’s case, it maintained that visa-related matters are confidential and handled according to established U.S. immigration procedures.
The statement comes amid growing public reaction to the development, with many Nigerians expressing surprise and concern over the situation involving the globally respected literary icon and political activist.
The U.S. government, however, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with Nigeria while ensuring that visa policies are applied fairly and consistently to all applicants.