“The plain truth is, almost twenty percent of Liberians, who visit the United States on a tourist visa do not leave at the end of their trip. Liberia has the tenth highest overstay rate in the world, and far too many Liberians resort to fraud in a desperate attempt to get a visa.”
U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner has issued a stern warning to Liberians regarding the abuse of tourist visas and the rising trend of illegal immigration, revealing that nearly 20 percent of Liberians who travel to the United States on visitor visas do not return home at the end of their authorized stay. This startling figure places Liberia among the top ten countries in the world with the highest visa overstay rates, a statistic the Ambassador said has profound legal and diplomatic implications.
In a statement released on Monday, April 7, 2025, Ambassador Toner emphasized that the misuse of U.S. visas and attempts to enter or remain in the country illegally are criminal offenses and serious national security concerns under current U.S. immigration policy. “The plain truth is, almost twenty percent of Liberians who visit the United States on a tourist visa do not leave at the end of their trip,” he said. “Far too many Liberians resort to fraud in a desperate attempt to get a visa.”
The Ambassador’s comments come amid growing scrutiny of non-immigrant visa applications in Liberia and increasing efforts by the U.S. government to curb illegal migration under President Donald Trump’s administration. Citing the sharp drop in illegal border crossings and a 627 percent increase in arrests inside the U.S. over the past year, Toner noted that the system is becoming more efficient in detecting and deporting individuals who overstay or cross borders unlawfully.
Toner strongly cautioned against visa fraud, including the use of fake documents, dishonesty in applications, or overstaying legally obtained visas. He described such actions as serious crimes with life-altering consequences. “If you break the law in this way, you will be punished, and you may never be allowed to enter the United States again,” he warned.
The Ambassador also highlighted the physical and psychological risks faced by individuals attempting to migrate illegally to the U.S., citing dangers posed by criminal gangs, human traffickers, and harsh travel conditions. “Many who attempt the journey never make it to their destination,” he said, adding that the U.S. is working with regional governments to intercept and repatriate migrants before they reach the U.S. border.
Toner made it clear that the crackdown on illegal immigration extends beyond individuals. He stated that U.S. visa sanctions now apply to foreign government officials, including immigration, customs, and port authority personnel, who fail to prevent or are complicit in facilitating unlawful migration. This measure, he said, reflects the Trump administration’s broader strategy of holding accountable all who contribute to threats against American borders.
In a firm conclusion, Toner urged Liberians to think twice before engaging in acts that could endanger their lives or destroy their chances of ever entering the United States legally. “The choice is clear, follow the law,” he said. “Do not risk your safety, your family, or your future.”
