As an immigration attorney who’s spent over two decades fighting for immigrants’ rights—and someone who prides herself on writing blog posts that actually help—I’m here to walk you through the asylum process for Nigerians seeking safety in the United States in 2025. Let’s talk real: Trump is back in office, and asylum is not just hard. It’s a minefield. But if your case is strong and well-prepared, you still have a shot. At our Firm, we have handled hundreds of Nigerian cases successfully, all over the United States.

Let’s break it down:

Common Grounds for Nigerian Asylum in the USA

1. Religious Persecution (Christians or Muslims)

Extremist violence from groups like Boko Haram or ISWAP continues to terrorize parts of Nigeria, especially in the North. Christians and moderate Muslims who reject radical ideologies may be abducted, forced to convert, or killed.

2. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (LGBTQ+)

Nigeria has some of the harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world. Being openly gay or transgender can lead to imprisonment, mob violence, or even death.

3. Gender-Based Violence, Forced Marriage, and FGM

Women and girls fleeing forced marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM), or gender-based violence often qualify under the “particular social group” category.

4. Political Opinion and Activism

Criticizing the government, protesting corruption, or working as a journalist can get you arrested, disappeared, or worse. The Nigerian government doesn’t play fair.

5. Witchcraft Accusations and Tribal Conflict

In rural areas, especially among children and women, accusations of witchcraft can lead to exile, torture, or community violence. Some tribal conflicts are also deadly and politically charged.

How to Build a Strong Nigerian Asylum Claim in the USA

To win asylum, you need evidence. Real, credible, personal evidence. Documents, witness letters, expert reports, and testimony. The more, the better. Here’s what can help:

Personal Declaration (Your Story of the Events That Happened or May Happen to You in Nigeria)

This is the foundation. It must be clear, chronological, and emotionally real. It should answer:

Who harmed you or threatened you?
Why did they target you specifically?
What happened? How did it make you feel?
What did you do to seek protection in Nigeria?
Why can’t you go back?

Medical Reports

If you were physically harmed, go to a doctor now and get a report. Even old injuries can be documented.

Police Reports or Complaints

Even if the police did nothing, filing a report helps show you tried to seek help.

Witness Statements

Friends, neighbors, co-workers, even WhatsApp chats. Anyone who can confirm your story or threats against you.

Expert Country Reports

We’ll use reports from Human Rights Watch, State Department, Amnesty International, and others to show your fear is real and countrywide.

Protests you were part of, messages with threats, screenshots from Facebook or Nigerian news covering your situation.

Preparing for Your Asylum Interview as a Nigerian Immigrant in 2025

2025 may be unforgiving. With the Trump administration tightening asylum rules again, preparation is everything. Here’s how to get ready:

Practice Your Story, But Don’t Memorize

Be honest. They can tell when you’re reciting a script. Practice talking to a lawyer or someone you trust. Answer questions clearly, and always stick to the truth.

Know Your Timeline

Dates matter. If you’re vague or inconsistent, they’ll assume you’re lying. Create a written timeline before the interview and review it carefully.

Understand Your Fear

You have to show you’re afraid to return because of who you are, not just because Nigeria is dangerous. Make it personal and specific.

Get a Psychological Evaluation

If your trauma affected your mental health, a professional evaluation helps prove credibility and the long-term impact of persecution.

Don’t Go In Alone

Hire an experienced asylum lawyer for Nigerian immigrants. This is not the time to DIY. Trump’s system is built to reject. We’re here to push back, hard. We are here, there is no need to worry. Shepelsky Law Group is here to help.

Final Word from Your Asylum Lawyer for Nigerian Immigrants

Nigerian asylum seekers are some of the bravest, most resilient people I meet. You’ve already survived so much. Now, you need to prepare like your life depends on it—because it does.

At our firm, Shepelsky Law Group, we don’t just file forms. We build cases that win. We gather evidence, draft airtight declarations, prep you for interviews, and walk beside you every step.

If you or someone you know from Nigeria is seeking asylum, reach out to us. We’re not afraid of the system. We’re here to fight it—for you.

Many individuals seeking Nigerian asylum in USA face complex legal hurdles due to political unrest, religious persecution, and anti-LGBTQ+ laws in their home country. With the right legal strategy and supporting evidence, Nigerian asylum seekers in the USA still have a path to protection in 2025.

Call us today to start your case. You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to be heard.

— Your Immigration Attorney & Advocate Marina Shepelsky