Donald Trump and the claim of deporting 3.7 million Nigerians: The truth

DDM News

GoldenNewsNg reports that a viral social media claim suggests U.S. President Donald Trump plans to deport 3.7 million Nigerians.

This claim, which has sparked widespread debate and concern, is unverified and lacks any official backing.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) reported that the allegation originated from a tweet posted on January 20 by a user with the handle @Zaddy_Bruh.

The tweet claimed Trump would initiate the deportation of 3.7 million Nigerians on January 21 as part of a broader campaign that allegedly includes other countries such as Zimbabwe, Ghana, Mozambique, and Bangladesh.

Nigeria was reportedly at the top of the list.

Despite no evidence supporting the claim, the post went viral, accumulating over 3 million views and thousands of comments.

Donald Trump, known for his firm stance on immigration during his first presidential term, introduced several controversial policies aimed at curbing illegal immigration.

Two key policies include:

1. “Remain in Mexico” Policy: This required asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while awaiting the outcome of their U.S. immigration cases.

2. Expanded Deportation Powers: Trump signed executive orders that gave the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) broader authority to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants.

While these measures highlight Trump’s tough immigration agenda, there is no evidence or record of him specifically targeting 3.7 million Nigerians for deportation.

Why the Deportation Claim Is False

A deportation operation of the scale alleged in the viral tweet is highly improbable and legally unfeasible.

Deportation in the United States follows a complex legal process that cannot be executed overnight.

The standard steps in a deportation process include:

1. Detention by ICE: Undocumented immigrants are detained at an ICE facility pending further action.

2. Immigration Court: Each case is reviewed by an immigration judge, who determines whether deportation is warranted.

3. Legal Appeals: Immigrants often have the right to appeal a deportation order, which can significantly delay the process.

This multi-step procedure makes it impossible for millions of people to be deported suddenly.

No Evidence or Official Statement from Trump

There is no credible evidence or official statement from Trump or the U.S. government indicating plans to deport 3.7 million Nigerians.

Reputable media outlets and government agencies have not reported any such actions.

The viral tweet appears to be a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation and incite fear.

As with many viral posts on social media, it is essential to verify claims before believing or sharing them.

Trump’s Immigration Policies

Although Trump’s immigration policies have been strict, there is no indication that they have targeted Nigerians specifically.

For instance, one of his more controversial moves during his first term was an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants.

However, this proposal faced significant legal challenges and was never implemented.

Trump’s deportation efforts have generally focused on undocumented immigrants and those with criminal records.

Any large-scale deportation would require significant planning, resources, and adherence to U.S. legal processes.

Conclusion

The claim that Donald Trump plans to deport 3.7 million Nigerians is entirely baseless.

Deportation in the U.S. is a legally governed process, making such mass removals logistically and legally impossible.

The viral tweet is yet another example of misinformation designed to create unnecessary panic.

Nigerians in the U.S. are encouraged to rely on credible sources of information and not be misled by unverified claims on social media.

While Trump’s immigration policies have been stringent, there is no factual basis for this specific allegation.

Staying informed and critical of viral misinformation is essential in today’s media environment.

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