The relationship between the United States and Uganda is one of enduring partnership, rooted in: shared values, mutual respect, and people-to-people ties.
Every year, Ugandan citizens travel to the United States for tourism, business, study, and to connect with family. These exchanges enrich both our nations, fostering greater understanding and opportunity.
As U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, I am proud to witness these connections deepen each year. But I also carry the responsibility to ensure that the foundation of this travel – built on respect and adherence to U.S. immigration law – remains strong.
One of the most important – and often misunderstood – requirements for any traveler to the United States is compliance with the terms of the U.S. visa. As Secretary Rubio has stated, a visa is a privilege, not a right.
It is a privilege granted for a specific purpose. Failing to adhere to the purpose of travel for which a visa was issued can lead to serious consequences, including being barred from reentering the United States or for future visas.
A nonimmigrant visa is not a guarantee of entry to the United States and does not allow for indefinite stays. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determines the authorized period of stay for all foreign nationals entering the United States on Form I-94 upon entry.
Any overstay of the period of time allowed by CBP in the United States can have long-term implications. U.S. immigration authorities maintain precise records, and consular officers review each applicant’s full immigration history.
There is no such thing as an excused overstay. The consequences of remaining in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay could include consequences such as visa revocation, possible deportation, and ineligibility for future visas.
Our shared goal is clear. It is to keep legitimate travel flowing, while upholding the integrity of our immigration system and ensuring the security of our nation. This requires both vigilance and goodwill. I invite all travelers to review their visa terms and seek clarification when needed.
For more information on U.S. visa categories, please visit the U.S. Department of State website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html).
Valid U.S. visa holders can check their admission status compliance on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website (https://I94.cbp.dhs.gov- click on the ‘View Compliance’ tab).
Let us continue to build relations between our two countries. With mutual understanding and respect for the rules, we can ensure that every journey strengthens the bond between Uganda and the United States.
The author is the US Ambassador to Uganda
Please heed the U.S. Ambassador’s message. Becoming illegal in the U.S. has serious consequences. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) folks might not be as polite/friendly as the Ambassador when they catch illegals.
But for Hell and Heavens sake, over 200 years ago Donald Trump and H. E William Popp’s ancestors did not get, nor respect the Native American Indian Visa terms and Period of hospitality (stay). But here they are, treating and chasing other immigrants like stray dogs.
The current immigrants come to America to add value but not diminish value.
In other words, in our short lives on it, God gave us this whole wide world (www) to freely explore and live wherever we choose. But because we are stupid selfish and greedy, we have decided to grab, parcel it out into personal plots, countries, continents and started issuing Entry, Resident Permits, etc. Visas.
We even fight over our graveyards, stupid. Does such stupidity make Trump, America, Europe or any African country Great or Less?
Which French Philosopher said that: ‘America is Great, because America is Good’?
In other words, the current Dictator Trump’s extremist and erratic immigration and arbitrary tax policies, will never ‘make America Great Again’, but repulsive e, ugly, mean and much less!
Otherwise, America became the most prosperous and powerful country and in the short period because, America/ns were and still are generous than any other country in world.
Else, Trump, probably returned to the White House by the Devil, is marking the FALL OF AMERICA in the 21st Century. E.g. at his first term exit, including the www; who could have imagine the violent attack on the Capital Hill Senate Building, instigated by Trump and his extremist Republican supporters?