Toner urges compliance as Liberia ranks high in U.S. visa overstays.
In a recent interview on ELBC Radio, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Mark C. Toner, addressed the concerning trend of visa overstays among Liberian nationals. He revealed that over 50% of Liberians who travel to the United States on tourist visas fail to return within the authorized period, leading to a significant number of visa denials for prospective travelers.
Ambassador Toner explained that upon entry into the U.S., travelers receive a visa stamp indicating their permitted stay, typically around three months. Failure to depart within this timeframe constitutes an overstay, which adversely affects the perception of future visa applicants from Liberia.
The Ambassador emphasized that the high visa refusal rates are not indicative of strained U.S.-Liberia relations but are measures to control legal immigration. He urged Liberians to adhere strictly to their visa conditions to help reduce the current overstay rate, suggesting that compliance could lower the rate from over 50% to 40% or even 30%.
Highlighting the importance of contributing to national development, Toner encouraged Liberians to invest their skills and resources domestically. He advised, “Travel if you can, but don’t spend your life in the United States. Spend it here, contributing to Liberia’s development.”
Ambassador Toner also cautioned against fraudulent visa practices, warning applicants to be wary of individuals promising guaranteed visas for a fee. He stressed the importance of honesty in the application process and directed applicants to utilize the official embassy website for accurate information.
This candid discussion underscores the need for Liberians to comply with visa regulations, thereby improving their prospects for future travel and reinforcing the integrity of U.S.-Liberia immigration protocols.
