The internal cable from the U.S. State Department highlights significant concerns, including:
- Lack of cooperation in deportation and removal of Gambian nationals ordered out of the U.S.
The Gambia Embassy has initiated action and should progressively pursue the verification and authentication process vigorously as a matter of top priority, although reliable sources close to The Point newspaper have indicated that 7000 Gambians might be earmarked for possible deportation.
- Weak or unreliable passport and identity documentation systems.
The Gambia’s passport system is now fully biometric and administered by a Belgian Company; this development should be duly communicated to the American authorities and also noting that SecuriPort, a U.S. Company is responsible to ensure full compliance at Banjul International Airport.
- Security vulnerabilities in immigration and border management processes.
- Incidences of visa overstays and insufficient compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Mr President, while these concerns may not apply uniformly to all countries listed, The Gambia’s inclusion presents a grave diplomatic, economic, and reputational risk.
Why This Matters
If implemented, a travel ban or restriction will have far-reaching consequences:
- Disruption of Gambian Diaspora communities, many of whom are law-abiding and contribute to the $775 million in annual remittances that sustain the Gambian economy.
- Loss of educational and business opportunities for Gambian students, professionals, and entrepreneurs seeking U.S. access.
- A chilling effect on bilateral relations and trust between The Gambia and the United States—our long-standing development and security partner.
- A dent in national pride and credibility as a peace-loving, cooperative nation on the global stage.
Call to Action
As a patriotic media institution committed to national development, The Point strongly urges the Government of The Gambia to:
- Immediately Establish a High-Level Task Force comprising representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Justice, Higher Education, and the Immigration Department as well as respected Gambians with extensive connections in the USA to assess, coordinate, and respond to U.S. concerns.
- Engage U.S. Authorities through Diplomatic Channels
The Gambia’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. should initiate urgent consultations with the U.S. State Department and Department of Homeland Security to:
- Express the Gambia’s readiness to cooperate.
- Request detailed information on areas of concern.
- Propose corrective action plans and timelines as necessary.
- Review and Strengthen Passport and ID Systems that may be flagged by Homeland Security
An independent audit of our passport issuance process, biometric standards, and document security features is imperative to assure international partners of our reliability.
- Address Deportation and Repatriation Gaps
The Gambia must demonstrate good faith and cooperation by processing and receiving its nationals who are ordered removed, within international human rights norms.
- Promote Awareness among Travellers and Diaspora
Launch a public information campaign to sensitise Gambians - especially students and temporary visa holders in the U.S. - on immigration compliance, visa conditions, and lawful conduct.
Mr President, in conclusion, this is not merely an immigration issue - it is a national sovereignty and reputation issue. Silence, delay, or bureaucratic inaction is no longer an option.
The Gambia has come a long way in restoring its place in the global community as a responsible democracy. Let us not allow administrative oversights or failures in coordination to jeopardise that progress.
The Point remains committed to playing its role in informing, educating, and constructively advocating for justice, peace, and development.
There's a need for the African Union to have emergency meeting to find ways to address this issue, which is more or less a human rights affair, which the U.S. promotes and advocates. If implemented, the U.S. travel restrictions and deportation plans will severe marital and family ties in the U.S. since millions of Africans are married to U.S. citizens.
Good day!