Azu Ishiekwene Says They Are Heading to the United States

Journalists often harbor the notion that their profession is indispensable, a sentiment that is perhaps best encapsulated by a humorous anecdote shared by my former journalism teacher, who quipped that even in the aftermath of the apocalypse, reporters would still be present to keep those in paradise abreast of developments on the other side.

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This perception, however, can be detrimental to the profession, as it fosters an environment in which reporters feel compelled to constantly chase the next big story, with a never-ending cycle of news coverage that prioritizes sensationalism over substance, often at the expense of their own well-being.

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A brief respite from this cycle can evoke feelings of guilt and anxiety, making rest feel like an unaffordable luxury, which is why, after turning 60, I decided it would be prudent to take a break from this tradition and allocate time each year to rediscover the rhythms of a normal life.

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To that end, I suspended my column for a period of three weeks and embarked on a trip to America, a decision that may seem perplexing to some, given the current administration's stance on immigration, which has made it increasingly difficult for individuals to enter the country.

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In fact, the process of obtaining a visa has become so arduous that it is now easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to secure a visa to visit America, with the average waiting time for an interview date spanning several months, if not up to a year.

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Nigeria, along with 13 other African countries, has been subject to partial travel restrictions since January, while 11 countries, including Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Somalia, are currently on the full travel ban list.

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Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to travel to over 40 countries, and I have always been diligent about adhering to the terms of my visas, never overstaying or encountering any issues, which is why America was once my preferred holiday destination.

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I have been fortunate to experience the warmth and hospitality of the American people, particularly through my friendships with Buddy and Paula Baker, a couple from Florida who embody the quintessential American spirit of kindness, generosity, and openness.

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America's inventive spirit, diversity, and freedom to explore have always resonated with me, and I have fond memories of driving on the country's motorways, despite my initial alarm at the lack of awareness about the world beyond America's borders and the lax gun-control laws.

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Fortunately, I am currently in possession of a five-year visa that was issued three years ago, prior to the current administration's implementation of stricter travel policies, which have resulted in non-immigrant visas being limited to single-entry, three-month periods, with a more rigorous vetting process.

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A new plan set to take effect in June may further reduce access to US consular diplomatic posts for applicants from Nigeria and other African countries, increasing visa costs and imposing additional restrictions, which could potentially affect my ability to enter the US in the future, despite my current valid visa.

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According to available data, US airports receive between 210,000 and 250,000 foreign visitors daily, with the vetting process for arrivals having become more stringent since September 11, and even more so since 2025, following President Donald Trump's inauguration to a second term, with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) occasionally searching the phones and reviewing the social media posts of visitors.

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In 2025, for instance, CBP conducted over 55,424 electronic-device searches, highlighting the increased scrutiny that travelers to the US may face, which was a concern for me as I prepared for my trip, particularly in light of two recent examples of US consular overreach during Trump's presidency.

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One such example was the revocation of the visa of Professor Wole Soyinka, Africa's first Nobel laureate, reportedly due to his outspoken criticism of Trump, while another instance involved the revocation of the valid visa of Somali FIFA referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was accused of having links to a terrorist group, an allegation that he has denied.

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These incidents, combined with the current travel restrictions and the heightened scrutiny of visitors, left me with mixed expectations about my trip, and I found myself questioning whether America would still be the welcoming and friendly country I had experienced in the past.

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After a long journey from Abuja to Houston, spanning six hours to Frankfurt, a two-hour stopover, and a 10-hour 35-minute flight, I arrived at Houston International Airport on the morning of June 10, unsure of what to expect, feeling a sense of trepidation as I approached the border security, much like one would when encountering a formerly dependable friend who has become hostile.

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However, my experience with the border police was surprisingly pleasant, with the exception of a Customs officer who removed a small packet of velvet tamarin from my luggage, and the CBP officers, who were warm, courteous, and professional, giving me a glimmer of hope that perhaps the spirit of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, which the US is co-hosting, may have contributed to their cordiality.

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During my visit, I have also encountered a few police officers in Houston and Florida who have been friendly and welcoming, which has been a redeeming experience, and I have made a promise to myself to exercise caution during my stay, avoiding activities such as driving or walking alone without my passport.

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In the past, visiting America was always a enjoyable experience, but this time, I was filled with doubt and uncertainty, which has been a departure from my previous experiences, and I have come to realize that this is indeed "their America," a country that has undergone significant changes, and one that I will continue to observe and report on as a journalist.