The United States Consulate has reiterated that visas granted to foreign nationals are a privilege, not a right.
This statement comes in response to inquiries surrounding the revocation of Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka’s visa.
In an email response to The Punch on Thursday, the Consulate explained that it could not release details about Soyinka’s case due to confidentiality laws.
“Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. We will not discuss the details of this individual visa case,” said Julia McKay, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Consulate General, Lagos.
McKay further noted that visa issuance and revocation fall under the discretion of the U.S. government, emphasizing that such privileges can be withdrawn at any time.
“Visas are a privilege, not a right. Every country, including the United States, determines who enters its borders. Visas may be revoked at any time, whenever circumstances warrant,” she added.
This development comes after Professor Wole Soyinka reacted to the revocation of his U.S. visa, describing the move as unnecessary and a personal stand against what he described as divisive and discriminatory leadership.
Earlier this week, during a media parley in Lagos, the 91-year-old Nobel laureate revealed that his B1/B2 visa had been revoked by the U.S. Embassy.
He also made it clear he had no intention of reapplying, adding that, “If you want to see me, you know where to find me.”