Members of the U.S. Congress have criticized the State Department for disproportionately denying visa applications from Nigerians and Ghanaians compared to applicants from Asian countries. During a recent congressional hearing, lawmakers expressed concerns about the potential racial and economic bias underlying these decisions.
Data presented during the hearing revealed that Nigerians and Ghanaians face significantly higher rejection rates despite meeting the financial and documentation requirements. Lawmakers questioned whether the current policies align with America’s values of fairness and equal opportunity.
The State Department defended its actions, citing cases of overstayed visas from African countries. However, critics argue that this rationale unfairly penalizes legitimate applicants. Advocacy groups have called for a comprehensive review of the visa process to eliminate systemic inequities and ensure fair treatment for all applicants.
