The government has firmly denied allegations that the country has been designated by U.S. President, John Donald Trump as a “dumpsite for criminals and illegal immigrants.”
In a statement issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, authorities there said, the article titled: “Liberia Selected as One of Trump’s ‘Dumpsite’ Countries for Criminals and Illegal Immigrants,” is not only false, but also malicious in its intent.
The ministry said, Liberia has not held any negotiations or entered into any agreement, formal or informal, that obligates the country to accept third-party nationals from the United States.
“There are no ongoing discussions related to such arrangements, and the government has not consented to receiving individuals, who are not Liberian citizens,” the statement added.
While condemning the “destructive disinformation,” the Foreign Ministry called on the public and media to avoid spreading unverified claims.
However, the government acknowledged ongoing engagements with U.S. authorities aimed at preventing the country from being placed on a travel ban list. These discussions focus on curbing the use of fraudulent documents, including fake court papers, birth certificates, and affidavits by some Liberians seeking U.S. visas, as well as high rates of visa overstays.
“We look forward to continuing collaborative efforts with the U.S. Government to address these issues holistically,” the Ministry said.
The government also urged Liberians, both at home and in the diaspora, to respect U.S. immigration laws and to avoid overstaying their visas, warning that violations could jeopardize future travel opportunities for others.
More public education on visa compliance and consequences of fraudulent documentation will be rolled out in the coming weeks, the Ministry reacted. Source: Ablee-Jay TV Staff reporter