Information Minister Blasts Opposition Over US Visa Suspension
By Feeme M. Wantee
January 15, 2026
Monrovia: The Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek M. Piah, has strongly blasted opposition figures over what he described as misinformation surrounding the recent United States visa suspension affecting seventy-five countries including Liberia.
Responding to critics during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Minister Piah clarified that only immigrant visa was suspended, not all categories of U.S. visa as being suggested by some opposition actors.
According to the Minister, some citizens appear to be celebrating the development not because of national concern, but out of political bitterness and a desire to see the country fail.
He stressed that the Boakai–Koung administration is being unfairly compared to the previous government, during which time several Liberian officials were sanctioned by the United States government.
Minister Piah noted that since this government assumed office, no official has been sanctioned, and critics are now portraying it as a failure.
“They are not in government, so they believe their relatives in the United States should suffer,” the Minister stated, dismissing such claims as irresponsible and politically motivated.
Minister Piah further emphasized that the immigrant visa category accounts for the majority of Liberians who travel to the United States through the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, a fact critics are deliberately ignoring.
He explained that the United States government has the sovereign right to determine how its immigration system operates and that the Liberian government cannot dictate U.S. immigration policies.
“If the American government decides who should enter their country, how does that concern the Liberian government?” he questioned.
The Information Minister also clarified that Liberia is not being singled out, noting that the visa review affects approximately 75 countries worldwide as part of the U.S. government’s efforts to strengthen and restructure its visa processes. Minister Piah criticized sections of the media for what he termed “yellow journalism,” accusing some journalists of taking pleasure in tarnishing the country’s image rather than responsibly informing the public.
He concluded by urging Liberians to remain calm and hopeful, assuring the public that the government is working toward a positive outcome regarding the situation.
