Monrovia, Liberia – Nearly 20% of Liberians who enter the United States on visitor visas do not return home at the end of their permitted stay, according to U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner. The ambassador on Monday April 7, issued a strong warning to Liberians about the misuse of tourist visas and the growing trend of illegal immigration. Liberia is among the top 10 nations in the world with the greatest rates of visa overstays, according to this shocking statistic.
Under the present U.S. immigration policy, Ambassador Toner stressed, efforts to enter or stay in the country unlawfully and the abuse of U.S. visas are both criminal violations and grave national security problems. The simple fact is that over 20% of Liberians who travel to the US on a tourist visa do not depart after their trip is over, he stated. “A lot too many Liberians turn to fraud in an effort to obtain a visa.”
The Ambassador’s remarks coincide with the U.S. government’s increased efforts to stop illegal migration under President Donald Trump’s administration, as well as increased scrutiny of Liberia’s non-immigrant visa applications.
The system is getting better at identifying and deporting those who overstay or cross borders illegally, Ambassador Toner said, pointing to a dramatic decline in illegal border crossings and a 627 percent rise in arrests within the U.S. in the last year.
The use of phony papers, lying on applications, and overstaying lawfully acquired visas are all examples of visa fraud that ambassador Toner strongly advised against. He characterized such acts as grave offenses that had the potential to change a person’s life. “You may never be permitted to enter the United States again if you violate the law in this manner.”
Along with highlighting the threats presented by criminal gangs, human traffickers, and unfavorable travel circumstances, the Ambassador also emphasized the psychological and physical concerns that people trying to enter the United States illegally confront.
According to him, “many who attempt the journey never make it to their destination, and the United States is collaborating with regional governments to stop and return migrants before they reach the U.S. border.”
The assault on unlawful immigration is not limited to individuals, Ambassador Toner made clear. Foreign government officers, such as immigration, customs, and port authority staff, who do not stop or assist illegal migration are now subject to U.S. visa sanctions, he said.
The ambassador maintained that the Trump administration’s larger approach of holding everyone responsible for threats to American borders is reflected in this action.
Ultimately, Ambassador Toner advised Liberians to reconsider actions that might jeopardize their lives or jeopardize their ability to ever visit the United States lawfully. “The decision is obvious: obey the law. Avoid putting your future, your family, or your safety at risk.”
