Toner urges compliance as Liberia ranks high in U.S. visa overstays.
Monrovia, Liberia – From an African perspective, the challenge of migration continues to cast a long shadow over the continent’s global image—this time with Liberia in the spotlight. The U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Mark C. Toner, has voiced deep concern over the high rate of visa overstays by Liberians traveling to the United States, warning that the issue could strain not just personal travel opportunities but also broader diplomatic relations.
Speaking on a live interview with ELBC Radio, Ambassador Toner disclosed that over 50% of Liberians who enter the United States on tourist visas fail to return home within the permitted timeframe. This places Liberia among the top ten countries globally with the highest visa overstay rates.
“This is not about punishing anyone—it’s about ensuring integrity in the immigration system,” Toner said. He explained that visa overstays damage the trust built between the U.S. and African nations like Liberia, adding that such violations lead to stricter visa issuance policies and higher rejection rates for legitimate travelers.
The Ambassador emphasized that the solution lies in mutual respect for the rules: “If you enter on a visa that allows a 90-day stay, you must leave before or on that date. If you overstay, it affects not just you but every Liberian applicant who comes after you.”
He also warned against fraudulent practices, such as fake documents or misinformation during visa applications, stating that the U.S. Embassy is enhancing its scrutiny mechanisms.
Toner concluded by encouraging Liberians, especially young professionals, to channel their energy into nation-building and explore opportunities at home, echoing a broader Pan-African call for development through local engagement rather than overseas dreams.
The document from the Ambassador from the U.S Embassy in Liberia – Read the full document
