NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified widespread public concerns surrounding the recent United States visa screening announcement, stressing that Liberians are not banned from traveling to the U.S. and that the measure does not target the country as a whole.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry confirmed that the U.S. Government has announced an indefinite pause in the processing of certain immigrant visas for nationals of seventy-five countries, including Liberia.
By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The pause is scheduled to take effect on January 21, 2026, and forms part of a broader review of U.S. visa screening and vetting procedures under the so-called “public charge” rule.
The Ministry emphasized, however, that the pause applies strictly to immigrant visas only and does not affect non-immigrant visas.
“Tourist, business, student, exchange, and other temporary visas continue to be processed, and existing valid visas remain valid and are not cancelled,” the statement noted.
According to the clarification, the temporary pause affects only visas that lead to permanent residence (green card) in the United States.
These include family-based, employment-based, Diversity Visa (DV), and other immigrant visa classifications.
The Ministry was quick to add that the measure does not amount to a U.S. visa ban on Liberian citizens.
The Government of Liberia acknowledged the potential impact on citizens seeking permanent residence in the United States and disclosed that it is actively engaging U.S. authorities through diplomatic channels to obtain further clarification on the scope and duration of the pause, while advocating for fair consideration of Liberian applicants.
Importantly, the Ministry disclosed that immigrant visa interviews will continue as scheduled, explaining that only the issuance of immigrant visas has been paused pending new guidelines from the U.S. Government.
“As of tonight, the Ministry can confirm that even interviews for immigrant visas will continue unhindered,” the statement said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the public to disregard misinformation and rely solely on official communications, reassuring that non-immigrant travel for tourism, education, and business remains open, and that Liberians holding valid U.S. visas may continue to travel lawfully.
The clarification comes amid growing public concern and speculation following reports of tightened U.S. immigration measures affecting multiple countries.
