Liberia: U.S. Embassy In Monrovia Creates Awareness On DV Program
Monrovia – On Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia held an interactive community engagement session with media practitioners and students from the University of Liberia to raise awareness about the ongoing Diversity Visa (DV) program.
During the engagement, Embassy officers Leslie Ells and Ariem Starovoyt emphasized the importance of honesty in the application process. “Applicants must be truthful,” said Starovoyt, adding that many Liberians submit applications with incorrect or misleading information, which often leads to disqualification.
The officers clarified a common misconception about eligibility requirements, stating, “A WAEC certificate is not a requirement for the DV program. The certificate simply shows you have completed high school and have basic literacy skills. Without the ability to read and write, how will you succeed in finding a job in the U.S.?”
They also highlighted that there is no age restriction, and applicants’ names do not affect eligibility. “As long as you’re a Liberian citizen, you can apply,” they said. The officers encouraged applicants to list all immediate family members, including spouses and children, on their applications. “It’s easier and more affordable to bring your family initially than to file for them later, which can be costly and may lead to family separation.”
Starovoyt shared a key reason for visa denials: dishonesty. “If you can’t be honest with me about basic details—like whether you’re married or your correct name—how can I trust you have good intentions to move to the United States?”
The purpose of the DV program, Starovoyt explained, is to increase diversity in the U.S. “We want you to come to America, work hard, make a living, and support our economy,” he added, emphasizing that the intent of the session was to clarify information and address misconceptions.
Each year, the U.S. Department of State administers the DV program, allowing up to 55,000 immigrants from countries with low immigration rates to enter the United States.
Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Liberia, Prof. Sekou Konneh, commended the U.S. Embassy for the initiative and encouraged students to share accurate information about the program. “Today, you’ve gained valuable insights free of charge. Share what you’ve learned to help others understand,” he said. Prof. Konneh also urged students and other Liberians to be truthful in their applications, noting that many are denied based on incorrect perceptions about the requirements.
The engagement was held at the University of Liberia’s main campus, with participants discussing the DV program and other U.S. visa services and posing questions to the U.S. Consulates in an interactive session at the Palava Hut.
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