The US embassy in Monrovia has issued a strong warning to Liberians who are thinking they will enter or remain illegal in the United States, warning that such actions could result in prison time, deportation and permanent visa bans.
In a press release issued Monday, US Ambassador Mark Toner said the US government is stepping up immigration law enforcement, and Liberians must avoid travel and attempts to stay illegal in the US.
“Illegal entry not only breaks US laws, it puts your safety and happiness at risk. The penalties are serious. It’s a permanent ban from prison time, separation from family, and re-entry into the US,” Ambassador Toner said.
The ambassador’s message, titled “Don’t put your future at risk: The US cracks down on illegal immigrants,” highlighted the major consequences of breaking US immigration laws.
“If you try to enter the United States illegally, you will face serious penalties if you obtain a visa, work without a legal permit, or lie to stay in the United States after the visa or visa exemption period expires,” Ambassador Toner said.
Ambassador Toner revealed that nearly 20% of Liberians traveling to the US on tourist visas were certified, and Liberia is at the 10th highest overstay rate in the world.
According to the US Embassy, this worrying trend has contributed greatly to the difficulties many Liberians face when obtaining tourist or non-immigrant visas. Furthermore, Visa fraud, which involves fake documents and false statements about applications, has led to growing concern.
“Too many Liberians are relying on fraud in desperate attempts to obtain visas,” Toner said. It urged Liberians to understand the legal and national security implications behind the enhanced visa process.
The Trump administration has significantly strengthened immigrant enforcement, leading to a dramatic increase in arrests and deportation, according to the statement.
In February 2025 alone, illegal border intersections fell 94% compared to the previous year, but arrests in the US increased by more than 600%.
“If you try to cross the US border or stay in the US illegally, you will be arrested, detained and sent back,” the ambassador warned. “It may also be prohibited to face fines or criminal charges.”
The US Embassy reminded Liberians that all forms of visa fraud are crimes that lie on applications, submit false documents, or stay with visa overrations, with serious consequences, including permanent ineligibility for future trips to the United States.
“The US visa process is the safest in the world,” Toner said. “People who try to deceive the system will be punished.”
Those considering travelling to the US through irregular routes and trying to cross the southern borders, the ambassador highlighted the serious dangers posed by traffickers, criminal charges and cartels exploiting immigrants.
“Many people who try to travel will never reach their destination. Criminal groups will be exposed to violence, fear and violence against them,” he warned.
The US government is actively working with countries in the Western Hemisphere to intercept immigrants before they reach the border. The aim is to protect both American citizens and immigrants from the dangers associated with illegal immigration.
As part of its enforcement action, the US government is targeting people who promote illegal immigration, including smugglers, human traffickers, and even foreign government officials and transport industry workers.
Ambassador Toner referenced the policies recently announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Marco Rubio imposes visa restrictions on foreign officials, including people from immigrants, customs and port authorities who do not oppose illegal immigration. Similar restrictions apply to people from tourism and travel agencies who are complicit in the scam.
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“In our country, people who threaten US security by promoting illegal immigration are not welcome,” Toner said.
Ambassador Toner also urged family and friends to encourage Liberians who are illegally resident in the United States to voluntarily return home before being caught and deported under stricter immigration policies.
“The best thing you can do for them is to tell them to go home now,” he advised.
The US Embassy concluded its warning with a clear message: “Make the right choice – follow the law.” Trying to bypass US immigration rules not only puts an individual’s future at risk, but also puts safety, family and life at risk.
