There has been a significant outcry with multiple petitions demanding that Nicki Minaj be deported from the US, following a backlash from her fanbase.
For over a decade, Nicki Minaj has stood as a prominent figure in the music industry; however, many of her once-loyal fans have recently taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction with her.
The 43-year-old artist has recently aligned herself with conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump, sparking controversy among her supporters.
Discontent intensified when Minaj made a surprise appearance at a Turning Point USA event last December. She shared the stage with Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
As a result of this controversy, two petitions have been initiated, both calling for her deportation.
One petition on Change.org has gathered over 46,000 signatures, while another has amassed more than 87,000, both advocating for her return to Trinidad and Tobago, her birthplace.
This initiative follows Minaj’s previous admission that she entered the United States illegally at the age of five.
In a 2018 Instagram post, she criticized Trump’s immigration policies, stating: “I came to this country as an illegal immigrant.
“I can’t imagine the horror of being in a strange place & having my parents stripped away from me at the age of five.”
In a 2024 TikTok live session, Minaj revealed that she never officially became a US citizen.
She expressed: “You would think that with the millions of dollars that I’ve paid in taxes to this country that I would have been given an honorary citizenship many, many, many thousands of years ago.”
But the pressing issue remains: Do these petitions hold any legal weight?
In truth, no substantial action is likely to result from them.
Despite Minaj’s claims about her illegal entry as a child and her non-citizen status, she possesses a green card.
This document is granted to non-US citizens, allowing them to reside and work in the country, effectively providing them with permanent residency.
As such, despite the dissatisfaction stemming from her recent political affiliations, she cannot be legally deported.
The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) has previously addressed the matter of deporting someone for their opinions.
The organization stated: “Criticizing U.S. foreign policy, or voicing any other opinion, is protected by the First Amendment – no matter your immigration status.”
Thus, it is improbable that these petitions will lead to any concrete legal action.