Background and Context
In a recent development, the United States has lifted visa restrictions on Ghana, allowing multiple-entry visas for a period of five years and other enhanced consular privileges. This decision comes after Ghana agreed to accept migrants deported from the United States by President Donald Trump.
Trump’s Migrant Deportation Policy
As part of his stricter immigration policy, the U.S. announced in June that citizens from Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria would only be eligible for three-month visas with single entry. This policy change aimed to limit the number of migrants entering the U.S.
Ghana’s Agreement to Accept Deportees
President John Mahama of Ghana revealed earlier this month that his country had agreed to receive migrants from West Africa deported by the U.S. Since early September, at least 14 individuals have been sent to Ghana.
US Visa Restrictions Lifted
On Friday, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that the U.S. visa restrictions had been reversed.
“The visa restrictions imposed by the U.S. on Ghana have been lifted,” Ablakwa stated, adding that Ghanaians can now apply for multiple-entry visas valid for five years and other improved consular privileges.
Communication of the Decision
Ablakwa shared the positive news on social media, stating that U.S. officials communicated this decision on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Impact on Deported Migrants
Under President Trump’s migrant deportation policy, individuals have been sent to countries without personal or familial connections, such as the high-security El Salvador prison, Cecot. These deportees had sought protection from U.S. immigration courts against being sent back to their home countries.
According to their lawyers, all migrants sent to Ghana had obtained such protection from U.S. immigration courts. However, Accra has deported at least four of them to their home countries, as reported by AFP.
Key Questions and Answers
- What were the original U.S. visa restrictions on Ghana? The U.S. initially limited visas for citizens of Ghana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Nigeria to three months with single entry.
- Why did the U.S. lift these restrictions on Ghana? The U.S. lifted the restrictions after Ghana agreed to accept migrants deported from the U.S.
- What privileges do Ghanaians now have with U.S. visas? Ghanaians can apply for multiple-entry visas valid for five years and enjoy other improved consular privileges.
- How many migrants have been deported to Ghana since September? At least 14 migrants have been sent to Ghana from early September onwards.
- What is the background of the deported migrants? These individuals had sought protection from U.S. immigration courts against being deported to their home countries.
