American man decries U.S. travel ban blocking Nigerian wife’s entry

An American travel content creator, Chris Joondeph, has expressed concern over the impact of newly signed United States travel restrictions, saying the policy has left American citizens and their foreign spouses trapped in a sudden legal limbo.

Joondeph, who is married to a Nigerian woman, shared his frustration in a post and video on Instagram on Wednesday, following a Proclamation signed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

The Proclamation further restricts entry into the United States for nationals of countries classified as high-risk due to what the U.S. government described as “persistent and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing” that pose threats to national security and public safety. Nigeria is among 15 additional countries placed under partial restrictions.

According to Joondeph, the new policy has effectively closed the door on his wife, Adenike, entering the United States, despite their marriage of one and a half years.

He disclosed that they have been waiting for her visa interview since May 2024, a delay that has already forced the couple to live apart.

“It is now extremely unlikely that my wife will be able to visit the United States anytime soon,” Joondeph said. “As a U.S. citizen, I currently have no path to bring my spouse to the United States — not even for a visit.”

He added that despite knowing each other for five years, Adenike has never been able to travel to the U.S. or meet most of his family members.

“My wife has never met the majority of my relatives, and she has never set foot in my home country,” he said, noting that many Americans underestimate how long and difficult the legal immigration process can be for spouses.

Joondeph explained that unlike previous travel bans, which largely focused on non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, and business visas, the latest Proclamation extends restrictions to immigrant visas, including those for spouses and children.

“As of this Proclamation, the U.S. will no longer issue immigrant visas to Nigerian spouses,” he said, adding that the measure affects nationals from a total of 35 countries.

He noted that family-based petitions were previously exempt but are now subject to tighter scrutiny.

The content creator said he has been documenting the process to highlight the struggles faced by thousands of couples waiting for years to reunite legally.

The Proclamation maintains full entry restrictions on nationals from the original 12 high-risk countries listed under Proclamation 10949 and adds five more to that category.

It also introduces partial restrictions on 15 additional countries, including Nigeria.

According to a White House fact sheet, exceptions apply to lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, select visa categories such as diplomats and athletes, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.

Case-by-case waivers may also be granted, though family-based immigrant visas deemed to carry “demonstrated fraud risks” have been further narrowed.

Defending the decision on Tuesday, the White House said the measures are necessary to protect U.S. security, ensure compliance with immigration laws, and advance broader foreign policy and counterterrorism objectives.