Elsie UdohThe world is watching tensely, awaiting the results of the 2024 US presidential election as it unfolds today.
Regardless of the entire election proceedings, there can only be one winner—Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. However, the impact of whoever emerges as the winner will have a ripple effect globally and serve as either a blessing or worse to Nigerians abroad and Africans generally.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWhat should you expect as a Nigerian abroad if Kamala Harris emerges victorious and becomes the first US female president? Here’s what we think:
An Inclusive Immigration Policy
Kamala Harris’s policies build on the more welcoming approach of previous Democratic administrations and favour a more inclusive immigration policy. What this means for you as a Nigerian abroad is an opportunity to get expanded visa options for work visas.
Her plan to protect the DACA programme will be of great benefit to young Nigerians who have lived in the US since they were children and give them a chance to study and work in the US legally.
Increased Opportunities for Skilled Workers
Harris has previously supported increasing the annual cap on H-1B visas, which is currently limited to 65,000 regular visas and an additional 20,000 for applicants with advanced degrees from US institutions.
Her continuous improvement in this will imply that, if she emerges president, then more Nigerians with skills in the fields of technology and healthcare might be able to get more work opportunities in the US.
Potential Reductions in Deportations
With Trump moving toward a mass deportation policy, Harris’s administration might serve as a saving grace to Nigerians on the verge of facing deportation due to overstayed visas and other issues that may arise.
Border Security Reform
Although Harris advocates for humane treatment for immigrants, she also supports border security and aims to manage immigration from Central America.
This might pose a challenge to Nigerians entering the US from the southern border.
Despite this, Harris’ policy includes the use of tech tools like the ‘CBP One app’ to schedule entry applications, which may ease the journey slightly.
Educational Programmes
During Biden’s administration, emphasis was placed on expanding funding for full-service community schools that work to address non-classroom factors, such as access to health care and healthy food, that can affect student performance.
Since Harris worked closely with Biden as his vice president, her administration could continue on that path and increase funding for educational programmes.
This would provide easier access for Nigerian students abroad seeking academic growth through higher education.
Lessened Racial Discrimination
Harris’s campaign made provisions for “black men” highlighting her non-tolerance for racial discrimination.
Unfortunately, this continues to be a major challenge for many Nigerians abroad but with the provisions proposed by Harris, her administration might promote racial equity and address discrimination against blacks with Nigerians inclusive, and this might positively affect Nigerians in other countries in the diaspora.
Economic Relief Initiatives
Harris’ economic agenda is channelled toward making life easier and more affordable for the middle class in the US.
This could have a great benefit to struggling Nigerians living legally abroad. With her plans to reduce living costs, Nigerians abroad could be able to save on rent and ease their financial burden abroad, which could allow them to send more money home.
READ ALSO: US Election: What A Trump Or Harris Win Means For Nigerian Migrants
Improved Health Policies
Another agenda of Kamala Harris is to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all.
This would indirectly benefit Nigerians abroad, as increased health funding might translate into fewer travel restrictions and enhanced health support structures for Nigerian-Americans and those frequently travelling between the US and Nigeria.
Support for Small Nigerian-owned Businesses
Kamala’s economic agenda will also have a ripple effect on small Nigerian-owned businesses abroad.
Her focus on middle-class economic stability includes support for minority-owned businesses so Nigerians abroad who are entrepreneurs could benefit from grants and low-interest loans.
Stronger Diplomatic Relations with Nigeria
Kamala Harris has also shown interest in strengthening US-Africa relations, which could result in closer ties with Nigeria.
This could open up more opportunities for Nigerians who are professionals or into businesses in the US, as well as ease restrictions for Nigerians travelling between the two nations.
As Nigerians around the world keep an eye on the unfolding US election, the potential impacts of Kamala Harris’s win on Nigerians abroad cannot be underestimated.
Although some policies could have potential negative impacts on Nigerians abroad, her win could provide significant opportunities for Nigerians abroad, although this largely depends on the extent to which these policies are implemented if she gets elected.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lagos State University.
