WASHINGTON – The latest United States’ travel restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump’s Administration against 12 counties, primarily in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, from entering the United States has excluded Liberia following concerns earlier this year that the country could face sanctions for failure to meet certain visa and security requirements.
Over two months ago, the U.S. government had placed Liberia in the “yellow” category—a warning designation urging the country to address specific deficiencies or risk being sanctioned. At the time, it was uncertain whether Liberia would act swiftly enough to avoid penalties, or whether ordinary Liberians would suffer the consequences of government inaction.
However, President Donald Trump’s latest Executive Order, signed this week, excludes Liberia from the list of countries facing full or partial travel bans. The order bans nationals from 12 countries—primarily in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia—from entering the United States.
Neighboring Sierra Leone, however, was among seven countries hit with partial restrictions due to high visa overstay rates. Under the new policy, several U.S. visa programs for citizens of those countries will be suspended, though an outright entry ban has not been implemented.
Trump justified the move as essential for strengthening national security and countering terrorism. “As President, I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people,” Trump stated in the proclamation. “I remain committed to engaging with those countries willing to cooperate to improve information-sharing and identity-management procedures, and to address both terrorism-related and public-safety risks.”
The 12 countries now under full travel bans are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
According to the proclamation, many of these nations either failed to accept the return of their nationals or exhibited high rates of visa overstays, which the administration considers a serious breach of U.S. immigration law. Others, such as Sudan, Yemen, and Somalia, were cited for inadequate vetting and screening processes.
Seven countries, including Sierra Leone, are subject to partial restrictions affecting selected visa categories: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
These countries will see suspensions in certain visa programs, though some exemptions apply. Lawful permanent residents of the U.S., recipients of Afghan Special Immigrant Visas, diplomatic visa holders, and immediate family members applying for immigrant visas are exempted. The order also allows exceptions for ethnic and religious minorities in Iran, dual nationals traveling on unrestricted passports, and athletes participating in the Olympics or World Cup.
According to NBC News, critics argue that the new travel ban could further strain the United States’ already fragile diplomatic relationships. The Trump Administration has faced mounting backlash over recent moves to impose trade tariffs, reduce humanitarian aid, and pressure nations to accept deported migrants—while penalizing those that refuse.
In a video shared by the White House on Wednesday night, President Trump described the travel restrictions as “a key part of preventing major foreign terror attacks on American soil.” He cited recent violence in Boulder, Colorado—an antisemitic attack that left at least 12 injured—as part of the broader justification for renewed immigration control measures.
It can be recalled United States Ambassador to Liberia, Mark C. Toner disclosed that over 50% of Liberians who travel to the U.S. on tourist visas have failed to return within the prescribed period. Ambassador Toner emphasized that overstaying has significantly impacted visa adjudication for future applicants, resulting in high refusal rates that are affecting many prospective travelers.
According to the Ambassador, tourist visas generally allow individuals to stay in the U.S. for up to three months, though this period can vary. However, a considerable portion of Liberians traveling on these visas do not return within the designated timeframe, leading to what he classified as an ‘overstay’. “These overstays are a major factor influencing how consular officers assess future visa applications,” Toner stated.
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that the list may be revised for either more countries to be added or those who may have complied with the US government regarding immigration protocol may be removed from the travel restrictions based on US State Department recommendation.
In the case of Liberia, is it hoped that all immigration policies to the US are abided by to avoid being added on the travel restrictions list of countries that have already been sanctioned.
