GEORGETOWN – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging Guyanese nationals living illegally in the United States to return home, following a stern warning from Washington about a sweeping immigration crackdown. In an official diplomatic note delivered to Guyana’s government this week, U.S. authorities outlined “strict enforcement measures and legal consequences” for anyone who tries to enter or remain in the United States unlawfully. The note comes amid the reinstatement of tougher immigration policies under U.S. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to ramp up deportations of undocumented immigrants.
According to the Foreign Ministry, U.S. officials stressed that while legitimate travel is still welcome, those caught without proper documents or in violation of visa terms will face the full extent of American law – including arrest, prosecution, heavy fines and imprisonment. In light of this, Guyanese citizens have been “strongly advised” to pursue only legal pathways for migration, work and study abroad, and for those currently in the U.S. illegally to “depart immediately”. The ministry’s advisory underscored that all nationals must comply with U.S. immigration laws to avoid harsh penalties.
The warning was underscored by a tangible sign of the crackdown: on Tuesday, a chartered flight deported seven Guyanese—six men and one woman, aged 35 to 68—back to Guyana. Sources said the individuals, who arrived at Cheddi Jagan International Airport under police escort, had U.S. criminal records or immigration violations including visa overstays. They were processed by local authorities upon arrival. This marks the first batch of Guyanese deportees sent home since President Trump’s re-election spurred a tougher stance on illegal immigration. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement data suggest up to 1,236 Guyanese with final deportation orders could be sent back in coming months, part of Trump’s stated goal to remove “one million” undocumented migrants annually.
Guyana’s government has responded with a message of both caution and reassurance. Officials say all returning citizens will be accepted and assisted, emphasizing the state’s duty of care to “all Guyanese, regardless of their circumstances”. Earlier this year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo affirmed that no deported national would be turned away, while urging verification to ensure no other countries’ nationals are mistakenly sent to Guyana. With the U.S. crackdown escalating, the Foreign Ministry is now actively reminding citizens that risking illegal entry or overstaying visas is not worth the personal and legal peril. Instead, Guyanese are encouraged to capitalize on expanding opportunities at home or to migrate via lawful channels – a message the government hopes will deter desperate journeys and safeguard its people amid changing U.S. immigration tides.
