A Nigerian-born member of the U.S. Army, identified as Uzoamaka, has appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to grant her critically ill daughter a visa so she can travel to the United States for medical treatment.
In an emotional video shared on Instagram on Sunday, Uzoamaka broke down in tears as she pleaded with the president to consider her situation on humanitarian grounds. She said she has been separated from her daughter, who remains in Nigeria, for about 10 years.
According to the military officer, her daughter has completed the necessary U.S. immigration processes, but ongoing visa restrictions have prevented her from travelling to the country. She added that the child became seriously ill while waiting for the process to be completed and now requires medical attention that she believes is difficult to access in Nigeria.
Uzoamaka said the worsening condition of her daughter has left her increasingly afraid that she could lose her before they are reunited.
“I have all the paperwork to prove it, including medical reports. This is just a mother fighting for her daughter to live and survive,” she said, while questioning how she could remain in a country with advanced healthcare while her daughter struggles to obtain the treatment she needs in Nigeria.
Although she acknowledged the importance of national security and immigration policies, Uzoamaka urged Trump to consider an exception for her daughter and other families facing similar circumstances.
She said her appeal was not politically motivated but was instead a plea for compassion and humanitarian consideration.
The U.S. Army officer also disclosed that she had previously sought assistance from her military commanders, media organisations and Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who she said had made efforts to help her case.
She further explained that she could not travel to Nigeria because of the security concerns associated with the country under U.S. policy. According to her, her children are minors and do not pose any security threat to the United States.
Uzoamaka said she had also contacted major U.S. media organisations, including CNN and Fox News, but had not received a response.
With her daughter’s condition reportedly becoming increasingly critical, she made a final emotional appeal to Trump to intervene and approve at least her eldest daughter’s visa application.
“Please, Mr President, if you’re seeing this video, do not make my heart break. I want my daughter to be issued a visa and come join me to get the treatment that she deserves,” she pleaded.