US issues warning to Guyanese over unlawful entry, overstays

…diplomatic note to Guyana highlights legal consequences

As part of the widespread crackdown on illegal immigrants, the United States Government has issued a Diplomatic Note to Guyana, warning of the legal consequences for Guyanese who attempt to unlawfully enter or remain in the US.
In an advisory on Wednesday, the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry indicated that it received an official Diplomatic Note from the US Government, advising of strict enforcement measures and legal consequences for individuals who attempt to enter or remain in that country unlawfully.
This Diplomatic Note follows the reinstatement and expansion of several immigration enforcement policies by US President, Donald Trump. It stated that while the US continues to welcome legitimate and legal travellers, the Secretary of State has explicitly outlined that the Government prioritises the prosecution of offenses for illegal entry and illegal presence in the United States, as well as criminal offences by foreign nationals.
To this end, the Foreign Ministry encouraged Guyanese citizens to pursue legal and authorised avenues for migration, employment, education, and travel to the United States. It further “strongly advised” Guyanese currently residing in the US illegally to depart immediately.
“Guyanese nationals who enter the United States of America without proper documentation or who overstay their periods of authorised entry or fail to respect the terms of their admission will be subject to the full extent of US immigration law, including but not limited to: arrest, prosecution and imprisonment or heavy fines,” the ministry cautioned.
The advisory further stated, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation strongly urges all Guyanese nationals to comply fully with the immigration laws and regulations of the United States of America.”
On Tuesday, seven Guyanese – six men and one woman – were deported from the US.
However, while no official information about their identities and reason(s) for their deportation were available, it is believed that these cases are primarily immigration related, including overstaying their visas.
The seven Guyanese arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) via a chartered flight on Tuesday and, according to sources, were received by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and immigration officials.
Reports are that the chartered aircraft had made several stops in other countries before landing in Guyana, and is expected to make two other stops before heading back to the US.
The deportees were transported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Georgetown, where they are currently being processed and will be eventually released. This process can take days, according to the source.
Back in February, US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, had assured that there will be no mass deportation of Guyanese who might be illegal in the US – noting, however, that routine deportations that have been ongoing for decades will continue.
Meanwhile, in January, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo assured that any Guyanese deported from the US will be accepted when they returned home. He explained that there would be verification that the persons are indeed Guyanese, to avoid other nationalities being deported to Guyana.