U.S. announces policy changes governing border security, immigration

The United States Department of State has asked governments to bring the new policy changes to the attention of their citizens. The statement reads as follows:

“The U.S. government has prioritized the prosecution of offenses for illegal entry and illegal presence in the United States, as well as criminal offenses by foreign nationals. President Trump directed the U.S. military to support the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in obtaining complete operational control of the U.S. border. This includes the creation of new National Defense Areas under U.S. military jurisdiction along the U.S. southern border. Foreign nationals attempting to enter the United States illegally, including through National Defense Areas, will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law"

“Foreign nationals who enter legally, but remain in the United States beyond their authorized period of stay, or who violated U.S. law, risk arrest and may face heavy fines or incarceration for lengthy periods of time. In addition, they may be deported and could face a permanent ban on future travel to the United States"

“Foreign nationals in the United States illegally should leave immediately. Individuals who wish to take advantage of financial incentives to depart must register through the CBP Home App, www.dhs.gov/cbphome . This was announced on May 7, 2025 by the Department of State’s Office of Foreign Missions"

“The United States continues to welcome legitimate and legal travelers. However, foreign nationals have no right to remain in the United States without status. They must respect the terms of their admission and all applicable U.S. laws. U.S. security screening does not stop after visa issuance or entry to the United States – if an individual is arrested, breaks the law, or misuses a U.S. visa, the visa may be revoked and the individual may be deported"

“The United States will not tolerate those who facilitated illegal and mass immigration to the United States. The United States has established new visa restrictions targeting foreign government officials and others that facilitate such immigration. Moreover, the United States has designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations several criminal cartels that facilitate illegal immigration and alien smuggling. Also, governments that do not facilitate the repatriation of their nationals from the United States face serious consequences, including broad restrictions on entry to the United States for their nationals"

“The United States requests that your government inform your nationals of this information through all appropriate channels so that they do not risk arrest, prosecution, imprisonment, or fines by attempting to enter the United States illegally, overstaying their periods of authorized stay in the United States, or failing to respect the terms of their admission while in the United States.”

In view of the foregoing, the Embassy of The Gambia in the United States of America kindly urges Gambian citizens to take note of this development. The Embassy is open for consultation on this matter for possible guidance as appropriate.