In a striking revelation that underscores the growing wave of migration from Nigeria, no fewer than 1,372 Nigerians have been granted asylum in the United States between 2022 and 2024, according to new data released by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). This development places Nigeria among the top African nations with the highest number of successful asylum cases in the U.S. over the last three years.
The figures, obtained from the U.S. Department of Justice’s annual report on asylum decisions by nationality, indicate that 475 Nigerians were granted protection in 2022, followed by 514 in 2023, and 383 in 2024. While the trend shows a cumulative growth, it also reflects a 25 percent drop between 2023 and 2024, highlighting an evolving U.S. immigration landscape under shifting federal policies.
Among the 2022 grantees was 12-year-old Nigerian chess prodigy, Tani Adewumi, whose inspiring journey from a homeless shelter in Manhattan to the national spotlight culminated in a successful asylum bid. His family fled northern Nigeria following threats from Boko Haram, a terrorist group responsible for thousands of deaths and displacements.
Similarly, in 2024, Nigerian LGBTQ activist and author, Edafe Okporo, secured protection in the U.S. after fleeing homophobic violence. His case drew international attention to the dangers faced by LGBTQ individuals in Nigeria, where same-sex relationships are criminalized.
These stories not only underscore the personal struggles of asylum seekers but also highlight the human rights and security issues driving the Nigerian asylum wave.
Despite the successes, a significant number of Nigerians failed to secure asylum. A total of 1,534 Nigerian claims were denied during the same period, with 603 rejections in 2022, 666 in 2023, and 265 in 2024. The decline in rejections by 56 percent over two years may suggest improved legal preparation or changes in the adjudication process.
In addition to denials, the EOIR recorded 68 Nigerian cases as “abandoned,” while 552 were marked “not adjudicated” in 2022. Others were closed on procedural grounds in subsequent years. Immigration experts note that successful asylum cases often hinge on timely applications, credible testimony, detailed documentation, and access to legal representation — resources not always available to many Nigerian applicants.
While Nigerians led African asylum claims in the U.S. in 2022 and 2023, Cameroonians overtook them in 2024 with 527 successful applications, followed by Nigeria (383), and Ethiopia (291). Other notable claimants included nationals from Ghana (238), Egypt (203), Eritrea (193), Uganda (86), and Sudan (42).
Despite these numbers, African cases continue to represent a small fraction of overall asylum applications, which are heavily dominated by Latin American and Eurasian countries. For example, in 2024 alone, Russian nationals secured 3,605 asylum grants, largely driven by draft evasion and political persecution amid the ongoing Ukraine war. China followed closely with 2,998 grants, while Venezuela and Nicaragua recorded 2,656 and 2,000 grants, respectively.
Under U.S. law, asylum is governed by Section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Applicants must demonstrate a “well-founded fear” of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
However, the path to protection is fraught with challenges. Criminal records, late applications, or previous resettlements in third countries can disqualify applicants. The system operates on two tracks — “affirmative” asylum applications filed proactively through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and “defensive” claims made during removal proceedings.
The policy landscape also plays a critical role. During his first term, former President Donald Trump implemented stringent measures like the Migrant Protection Protocols and a third-country transit ban, which significantly reduced asylum opportunities. Though partially reversed by President Joe Biden, the new Circumvention of Lawful Pathways regulation now mandates that migrants must apply through the CBP One app or demonstrate efforts to seek asylum in transit countries — rules criticized for mimicking Trump-era restrictions.
In addition to asylum trends, the EOIR and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data show that 902 Nigerian nationals were deported from the U.S. between 2019 and 2024. These expulsions reflect the tough stance of immigration enforcement, particularly for those with failed or ineligible claims.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, political instability, and economic challenges, asylum claims are expected to persist. However, the fluctuating U.S. immigration landscape, tighter legal requirements, and increased scrutiny on entry pathways may make it harder for future applicants to succeed.
Experts advise potential asylum seekers to seek early legal advice, ensure documentation of persecution, and avoid misinformation about the process. With global conflicts intensifying and immigration policies hardening, only well-prepared cases are likely to secure protection.