The US Consulate in Lagos has defended its decision to revoke Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka’s visa, citing that visas are a privilege, not a right.
According to Julia McKay, Public Diplomacy Officer at the US Consulate General in Lagos, “Every country, including the United States, can determine who enters its borders. Visas may be revoked at any time, at the discretion of the US government, whenever circumstances warrant.”
The Consulate refused to discuss the specifics of Soyinka’s case, citing confidentiality laws.
“Under US law, visa records are generally confidential. We will not discuss the details of this individual visa case.”
Soyinka revealed he was shocked by the decision and unsure what led to it.
He recalled two minor incidents from decades ago, including being fined for not declaring green chilies at a Chicago airport and a confrontation with police at an Atlanta hotel, but doubted they were linked to the current situation.
The US Consulate asked Soyinka to return his visa for physical cancellation, noting that he would need to reapply for a new one if he wishes to visit the US again.
The revocation has sparked debate over recent US measures to curb migration, particularly from African nations.
Prof. Soyinka had revealed on Tuesday during a media interaction in Lagos that his B1/B2 visa had been revoked by the U.S. Embassy.
At the event held at Kongi’s Harvest, Freedom Park, the 91-year-old literary icon told journalists not to expect him in the United States for any engagements.
“It is necessary for me to hold this press conference so that people in the United States who are expecting me for this event or that event do not waste their time. I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” he said.