A coalition of advocacy groups has appealed to U.S. President Joe Biden to designate Nigeria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Special Student Relief (SSR) before the administration’s tenure ends.
The coalition, comprising the Nigerian Center, Nigerian American Lawyers Association, Amnesty International, and The ONE Campaign, made this call during a meeting in November with officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. State Department, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and other federal agencies.
The appeal is driven by concerns over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions and the need to provide relief to Nigerian nationals and students residing in the United States. The groups urged the Biden administration to address the request before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to assume office for a second term on January 20, 2025.
Gbenga Ogunjimi, Director of the Nigerian Center and leader of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria, stressed the urgency of the situation. He stated, “We urge the administration to grant Nigeria Special Student Relief (SSR) designation, or, if possible, Temporary Protected Status (TPS). We recommend that the Biden administration prioritize this request as part of its transition policy, especially considering the incoming administration’s emphasis on merit-based immigration. This would benefit skilled Nigerian nationals who contribute to the U.S. economy.”
Nigeria is currently grappling with severe economic challenges, including a rapidly depreciating currency and soaring inflation. The Naira, which exchanged at N360 to the U.S. dollar in 2019, now trades at N1,664 per dollar—a devaluation of over 362%. This economic downturn has drastically reduced purchasing power, creating significant financial strain on Nigerian families.
Nkechi Ilechie, Policy Director of the Nigerian Center and co-leader of the TPS Coalition, highlighted the impact on Nigerian students in the U.S. “The sharp devaluation of the Naira has made it nearly impossible for families to send remittances to cover tuition, housing, and basic living expenses for students abroad. This is why, earlier this year, over 50 organizations, including immigrant rights and faith-based groups, petitioned the Biden administration to grant Nigeria SSR designation,” she explained.
The coalition’s request reflects a broader effort to secure support for Nigerian nationals facing financial hardships and to address the ongoing economic crisis in Nigeria.
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