The United States Embassy in Lagos has clarified its position following the revocation of the visa belonging to Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.
Soyinka, 91, revealed during a media parley at Kongi’s Harvest, Freedom Park, Lagos, on Tuesday that he no longer holds a valid U.S. visa, telling journalists that he should not be expected in America “by anyone.”
Responding to an inquiry from The Punch, the U.S. Consulate explained that visas issued to foreign nationals are a privilege, not a right, and may be withdrawn at any time.
Julia McKay, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Department of State, Consulate General Lagos, said in an email:
“Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. We will not discuss the details of this individual visa case.”
She added that, “Visas are a privilege, not a right. Every country, including the United States, can determine who enters its borders. Visas may be revoked at any time, at the discretion of the U.S. government, whenever circumstances warrant.”
The Consulate did not provide specific reasons for the revocation of Soyinka’s visa.