By: Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter
The United States government has issued a stark warning to Sierra Leonean travelers regarding the severe consequences of misrepresenting facts and submitting fraudulent documents. The US Embassy in Freetown cautioned that violators could face lifetime bans from entering the United States.
The embassy’s warning was shared on its X (formerly Twitter) account on April 8, 2025. It emphasized that consular officers have access to an individual’s complete immigration history, making it nearly impossible for travelers to evade penalties for prior violations. “Travelers are responsible for adhering to the terms of their visa; ignorance of visa regulations will not be accepted as an excuse,” the embassy stated.
“U.S. Consular officers in Sierra Leone stay up to date on the latest scams and fraudulent documentation technology. Misrepresenting facts and providing fake documents can result in a permanent ban from entering the United States,” the embassy warned, accompanied by the message, “We’ve heard that story before.”
In a related statement, U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan D. Hunt, cautioned against illegal entry attempts into the United States. In an op-ed published on April 7, 2025, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to enforcing U.S. immigration laws.
Ambassador Hunt addressed individuals with family or friends currently residing illegally in the United States, urging them to encourage their loved ones to return home. He refuted the idea that people could enter the U.S. undetected, citing the administration’s efforts to strengthen border security. According to the op-ed, illegal border crossings have decreased by 94% in February 2025 compared to the same period last year, while arrests of undocumented immigrants surged by 627%.
“If you try to cross a U.S. border or remain in the United States illegally, you will be caught, detained, and sent back,” Ambassador Hunt stated. “You may also be banned from ever returning or face fines and criminal charges.”
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