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Liberia: U.S. Ambassador Addresses Mass Visa Rejections of Liberians

todayOctober 8, 2024 1

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United States Ambassador to Liberia, Mark C. Toner, has clarified that the high rate of American visa denials for Liberians is primarily due to concerns regarding individuals overstaying their permitted visit duration in the United States.

Ambassador Toner explained that over 50% of Liberians traveling to the U.S. on tourist visas do not adhere to the stipulated return timeline, which has led to the visa denial trend. He emphasized that this issue is not a targeted action against Liberia but rather a standard aspect of U.S. immigration policies and border control measures.

Ambassador Toner encouraged Liberian citizens to abide by visa regulations and return home within the specified timeframe to enhance their chances of visa approval in the future. While stressing the importance of sincerity and honesty in visa applications, he underlined that the U.S.

The Embassy’s assessment is based on ensuring compliance with visa terms to maintain legal immigration practices. Ambassador Toner also highlighted the significance of national development and encouraged Liberians to invest in and contribute to their country’s growth and progress.

Liberia was recently ranked fourth on the U.S. Department of State’s list of countries with the highest visa rejection rates for the 2023/2024 period, with a rejection rate of 78.19 percent, according a U.S. State Department report. Other African countries whose citizens experienced the highest rejection rates include Mauritania (76.43%), Rwanda (71.09%), Senegal (70.47%)

Ambassador Toner clarified during an interview on ELBC Radio on Monday, October 7, 2024, that the visa rejection rate for Liberians is not driven by any personal vendetta against Liberia, its longstanding ally.

“Liberians do travel to the United States on a tourist visa; over 50 percent or a little more don’t come back within the prescribed period,” he said. He added that immediately when an individual enters the U.S., their visa is stamped with the date he or she is expected to leave the United States.

According to him, the United States government refers to the situation as an overstay when an individual refuses to return home at the end of the three-month period, for instance, adding that it is a major problem when people stay beyond the time stamped on their visas.

The American ambassador further emphasized that the onus is on Liberians who are given an opportunity by the United States government to apply for a tourist visa to prove their honesty. “When we realize that the refusal rate is high for young men and women who want to travel to the U.S. on a tour, it becomes tougher because they’re supposed to return home to continue their work in their country,” he stated.