As Liberian Foreign Ministry Clarifies US Gov’t Announcement, Information Min. Says It Has Nothing To Do With Conduct Of Boakai’s Officials
FLASHBACK US Pres Donald Trump and Liberia Pres. Joseph Boakai during Boakai’s 2025 visit to Washington
On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the United States government announced the indefinite suspension of immigrant visas to 75 countries in Africa and around the world, including Liberia.
But Liberia’s Minister of Information on Thursday dismissed speculations in some quarters that the Americans took the action against Liberia due to the conduct of some officials of the Unity Party government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
SOURCE: Associated Press (AP)
By MATTHEW LEE
Updated 9:09 PM GMT, January 14, 2026
WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department said Wednesday it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Somalia, whose nationals the Trump administration has deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the United States.
The State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said it had instructed consular officers to halt immigrant visa applications from the countries affected in accordance with a broader order issued in November that tightened rules around potential immigrants who might become “public charges” in the U.S.
The step builds on earlier immigration and travel bans by the administration on nearly 40 countries and is part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to tighten U.S. entry standards for foreigners.
Liberian Foreign Ministry Clarifies The US Gov’t Announcement
On the same day, Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia issued a statement clarifying the US government’s announcement.
Press Release
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs the public that the Government of the United States has announced an indefinite pause in the processing of certain immigrant visas for nationals of seventy-five countries, including Liberia.
This measure is scheduled to take effect on January 21, 2026, and is part of a review of U.S. visa screening and vetting procedures under the “public charge” rule.
The Ministry wishes to clearly emphasize that this pause applies only to immigrant visas 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 pause affects only visas that lead to permanent residence (green card) in the United States, including family-based, employment-based, Diversity Visa, and other immigrant classifications. It does not constitute a ban on U.S. visas for Liberian citizens.
The Government of Liberia recognizes the potential impact on citizens seeking permanent residence and is engaging U.S. authorities through diplomatic channels to seek clarification on the scope and duration of the pause and to advocate for fair consideration of Liberian applicants.
As of tonight, the Ministry can confirm that even interviews for immigrant visas will continue unhindered. Only the issuance of the immigrant visa is paused pending new guidelines to be issued by the United States government.
The Ministry encourages the public to rely on official updates. Non-immigrant travel for tourism, study, and business remains open, and Liberians with valid visas may continue to travel lawfully.