US President Donald Trump’s recent order to end birthright citizenship has triggered a wave of reactions among Nigerians, many of whom see the announcement as a call to prioritize national development at home.
The directive orders federal agencies not to recognize U.S. citizenship for children born in the U.S. to mothers who are in the country illegally or on temporary visas, if the father is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident.
This policy, which reignites longstanding debates about immigration and national identity, has become a trending topic on Nigerian social media, where individuals are sharing impassioned views.
Olohunde Sodiq was direct in his stance, stating, “Stay in your country, build your own country, and make your own country great.”
Similarly, Raymond Tertsea called for introspection: “People made America a working system. Instead of wanting to be Americans by force, we must make our countries work for the good of all. Everyone cannot be American.”
For David Sunday, the announcement marks a turning point: “The battle has begun. Let everyone stay in his country and develop it.”
Wisdom Bassey expressed his support for Trump’s policy, adding a critique of migration trends: “I support his ideas. So many people in so many countries, especially the Africans, are running away from the way of their land to embrace slavery in another man’s land. Let everyone come back to their homes and make it a dwelling place for humans.”
Highlighting the challenges within Nigeria, Nwachukwu Ijeoma remarked: “How many U.S. foreigners are citizens of Nigeria? I am proud of being a Nigerian. Just that we are not lucky with good leaders. Otherwise, we have enough resources to make Nigeria greater than the U.S. But the thieves we have as leaders will not allow it to happen.”
Naijaminds offered a historical perspective and a wish for reform: “Trump doesn’t care. Immigrants in the U.S. should start thinking home o. Forget fuel subsidy or naira floating. If the only thing Tinubu will do is bring regionalism or separation, I will forever love him. When it was regional government, even oyinbos saw Nigeria as paradise, even wanting to naturalize. But that Ironsi did us bad. Tinubu must do this one, starting with tax reform, granting LG autonomy, and establishing regional developmental commissions. These three sweeten my heart. He should make those strong and move forward until regionalism is achieved.”
