US Embassy cautions Ghanaians against visa fraud, illegal immigration

The U.S. Embassy in Ghana has issued a strong warning to Ghanaians against engaging in illegal visa processes and unauthorized immigration, stressing that such actions could lead to visa refusals, revocations, or deportation.

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The caution was made during a Consular Media Day held on May 9, 2025, an event aimed at demystifying the U.S. visa process, highlighting improvements in visitor experiences, and clarifying visa policy procedures.

In 2024, the Embassy received 61,000 visa applications and issued 25,000 visas to Ghanaian applicants.

Speaking at the event, Consular General Elliot Fertik reaffirmed the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and stress-free travel experience for Ghanaians.

“We continue to welcome visitors from Ghana who are interested in studying, investing, or doing business in the US. Last year, the US embassy issued 25,000 visas to Ghanaians for work, study, or visit to the US. But with entry to the US, visa applicants or holders must follow our laws,” he said.

He cautioned that the U.S. government maintains a strict stance on illegal immigration.

“The US has zero tolerance for illegal immigrants. Those who break the rules will face the law, including visa refusal, or upright ban from entering the US,” Fertik added.

“We want to make sure that Ghanaians understand the proper way for applying for visas and what is expected of them when applying for visas.”

Fertik also pointed out ongoing efforts by the Embassy to improve the visa application process by prioritizing transparency and customer experience.

“Visitors to the US must ensure that they obey the laws and regulations. I am sure you have noticed some of the improvements we have made to improve customer experience. The Department of State’s top priority is ensuring the safety of US citizens overseas and extending help to those who need help away from home.”

He concluded by emphasizing the dual mission of the U.S. government: facilitating legal travel and protecting its borders.

“We also have the mandate of ensuring our borders are protected by protecting the US against illegal immigration by enforcing the laws,” he stated.

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ABOUT: Nana Kwesi Coomson

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An Entrepreneur, Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Communications Executive and Philanthropist. Editor-in-Chief of www.233times.com. A Senior Journalist with Ghanaian Chronicle Newspaper. An alumnus of Adisadel College where he read General Arts. His first degree is in Bachelor of Arts - Political Science (major) and History (minor) from the University of Ghana. He holds MSc in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Energy with Public Relations (PR) from the Robert Gordon University in the United Kingdom. He is a 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow who studied at Clark Atlanta University in USA on the Business and Entrepreneurship track.

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