Coalition Urges Biden Administration to Grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) & Special Student Relief (SSR) to Nigeria Before End of Term
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2024
Washington, D.C. — On November 18, 2024, a coalition of organizations advocating for immigration relief for Nigeria met with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. State Department, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and other federal agencies. The coalition, which includes the Nigerian Center, Nigerian American Lawyers Association, Amnesty International, and The ONE Campaign, called on the Biden administration to designate Nigeria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Special Student Relief (SSR) before the administration’s term concludes.
During the engagement session, the lead of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria emphasized the urgency of the request:
“We urge the administration to grant Nigeria Special Student Relief (SSR) designation, or, if possible, Temporary Protected Status (TPS). We request that the Biden administration extend these critical protections to Nigerian nationals and students in the U.S. before its term concludes. As the United States transitions to a new administration, we recommend prioritizing this request as a policy recommendation for the incoming administration, particularly given its stated commitment to favoring merit-based immigration. This approach is especially relevant for individuals with skills in demand in the U.S. economy.”
said Gbenga Ogunjimi, Director of the Nigerian Center and lead of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria.
As of 2024, Nigeria faces one of the most challenging periods in its economic history, marked by surging inflation and severe currency devaluation. The Naira has depreciated drastically, with $1 USD now equivalent to 1,664 Naira. For context, in 2019, the exchange rate was approximately 360 Naira per USD. This represents a staggering 362.2% devaluation in five years, causing an unprecedented loss of purchasing power.
“This sharp decline has severely impacted families sending remittances to students in the U.S., rendering them unable to afford tuition, housing, and basic necessities. These hardships are why, in April of this year, a coalition of over 50 immigrant rights, human rights, faith-based, and community organizations petitioned the Biden administration to designate Nigeria for Special Student Relief (SSR),”
- said Nkechi Ilechie, Policy Director of the Nigerian Center and co-lead of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria.
“As one of the largest foreign investors in Nigeria, with a vested interest in the country's stability, the U.S. has a moral obligation to provide protection to Nigerian students and vulnerable populations seeking refuge. Granting SSR and TPS to Nigerians would be a testament to our commitment to human rights and our tradition as a nation of refuge. It would also be in line with the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa, which acknowledges the armed conflict in Nigeria.”
- said Razaq Fatai, Africa Policy and Advocacy Manager, The ONE Campaign.
Individuals seeking immigration assistance are encouraged to contact the Nigerian Center online or via phone at 202-330-0352.
About the Nigerian Center
The Nigerian Center is the first immigrant and cultural center for the Nigerian diaspora. Based in Washington, D.C., the Nigerian Center provides social justice opportunities, culturally sensitive transition programs, and support for newly arrived immigrants to achieve self-sufficiency. While the center primarily serves the Nigerian American community, it is dedicated to supporting all immigrant communities in the United States.
###