Exclusive Interview: Empowering African Nurses Amid the 2025 U.S. Travel Ban
Fellow Nurses Africa || Lagos, Nigeria || 18 June, 2025
The announcement of the 2025 U.S. travel ban by President Donald Trump on June 4, 2025, has sparked uncertainty among African nurses dreaming of a career in the United States. In this exclusive interview with Fellow Nurses Africa, Decency Onyekachi, CEO of Decency NCLEX Academy, brings clarity and encouragement, emphasizing that African nurses pursuing employment-based visas are not blocked by the ban. With nearly a decade of supporting African nurses, Decency shares expert insights on overcoming visa challenges, exploring alternative pathways, and staying resilient in pursuit of the American dream.
Fellow Nurses Africa: How is the 2025 U.S. travel ban impacting African nurses seeking to migrate, and what specific challenges are they facing due to visa suspensions?
Decency Onyekachi: There’s a lot of tension and anxiety about the travel ban, but let’s set the record straight. The ban primarily targets non-immigrant visas like B-1/B-2 for tourists and diplomatic visas for government officials. For African nurses pursuing employment-based visas, such as the EB-3, the process is still very much alive. Nurses can continue preparing for the NCLEX, filing I-140 petitions, and applying for visas on a merit basis. During Trump’s previous administration, many African nurses successfully migrated, and I expect the same now.
The challenge lies in the lack of detailed country-specific restrictions. For nurses from fully restricted countries like Chad or Somalia, visa interviews or renewals could face delays or denials. Without clear documentation, there’s uncertainty, which can feel overwhelming. My advice? Don’t panic—keep moving forward with your credentials and stay in the queue for opportunities.
Fellow Nurses Africa: How has Decency NCLEX Academy adapted to support African nurses in response to this ban, and are you exploring alternative migration pathways?
Decency Onyekachi: Since 2016, we’ve been a lifeline for African nurses, offering NCLEX review courses, English proficiency training like PTE—a cost-effective alternative to other exams—and advocacy to combat marginalization. With this ban, we’re stepping up by planning webinars with U.S. immigration attorneys to break down country-specific restrictions once details are released. This will give nurses clear, actionable guidance.
We’re also supporting nurses beyond migration. Through partnerships with Novel Training Services, we provide training for remote healthcare jobs, helping nurses with young families earn income while awaiting visa approvals. For those facing delays, we’re exploring alternative destinations like Canada and the UK, which are hungry for healthcare workers. Programs like Canada’s Express Entry or the UK’s Health and Care Worker Visa are on our radar, but we’re waiting for the ban’s full documentation to finalize these pathways.
Fellow Nurses Africa: What’s the sentiment among African nurses regarding this ban, especially given its potential to worsen U.S. healthcare staffing shortages?
Decency Onyekachi: There’s fear and discouragement, fueled by what I call “destiny discouragers”—people spreading rumors that the ban ends all hope. But I’m here to say: don’t be deterred! The U.S. healthcare system relies on immigrants, who make up 18% of its workforce, including many nurses. With a projected shortage of 800,000 healthcare workers, America needs African nurses now more than ever.
I draw inspiration from nurses in India and the Philippines, who face visa backlogs of 10–15 years yet keep preparing. African nurses can do the same. Our training programs not only prepare nurses for the U.S. but also empower those staying home to deliver world-class care. We’ve worked with ministries of health to train nurses in universal standards, ensuring they thrive wherever they are.
Fellow Nurses Africa: Are there any waiver options for African nurses under this ban, and how are you advising them to navigate these restrictions?
Decency Onyekachi: Past bans have included waivers, and I’m optimistic we’ll see them again, especially for nurses addressing U.S. staffing shortages. The proclamation allows case-by-case exceptions for those serving national interests, potentially through programs like the Conrad 30 Waiver for underserved areas. However, details are still unclear.
My advice is straightforward: keep writing your NCLEX, file your I-140 petitions, and partner with trusted staffing agencies. Stay engaged through our WhatsApp groups and webinars for updates. We’re organizing discussions with immigration experts to provide tailored advice once country-specific rules are clear. Don’t let uncertainty stop you—stay prepared and in the queue.
Fellow Nurses Africa: With the ban subject to review every 180 days, what are your expectations for future U.S. immigration policy changes, and how are you preparing nurses?
Decency Onyekachi: The 180-day reviews are a beacon of hope. Countries meeting U.S. vetting standards could be removed from the ban, opening doors for nurses. I expect policies to prioritize skilled immigrants, especially in healthcare, where shortages are critical. The Trump administration wants “the right immigrants,” and African nurses fit that bill.
We’re preparing nurses by treating the process like a long-term investment—get your credentials, file petitions, and wait patiently. We’re monitoring policy updates to provide country-specific advice as soon as possible. Our message is clear: be like nurses from Asia who wait years and still succeed. America needs you, and the doors will open.
Decency Onyekachi’s Closing Words: To every African nurse: don’t let this ban dim your dreams. Get your NCLEX, file your petitions, and stay in the queue. The U.S. healthcare system depends on immigrants, and with patience, you’ll get here. At Decency NCLEX Academy, we’re with you every step—offering training, advocacy, and hope. Keep pushing, and God bless!
Conclusion: The 2025 U.S. travel ban may seem daunting, but African nurses have a champion in Decency Onyekachi. Through Decency NCLEX Academy’s comprehensive support—NCLEX training, remote job opportunities, and alternative migration pathways—nurses can stay on course. With the U.S. facing a healthcare staffing crisis, the demand for skilled nurses remains undeniable. Stay focused, stay prepared, and keep the faith—the American dream is still within reach.
Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing. We educate, inform, and support the nursing profession.
