Monrovia – FrontPageAfrica has in its possession a copy of U.S. Homeland Security document in which it denied Representative Solomon George (Congress for Democratic Change, District #7, Montserrado County) entry into the United States of America by withdrawing his application for admission.
Report by Henry Karmo – [email protected]
“You have not presented enough evidence to make me believe that you are here for tourism purposes. Therefore, you are inadmissible to the United States pursuant to section 212(a) (7)(A)(i)(I) of the immigration and Nationality Act.
Your admission is withdrawn under Authority of section 217 of the act. Do you understand that you are not eligible to enter the United States at this time?” Ryan Winstead, United States Immigration Officer
In the document U.S. immigration officer Ryan Winstead, who investigated and denied the Liberian lawmaker opportunity to go beyond the O’Hare International Airport claimed that the Liberian lawmaker was seeking admission to join and live with his wife who gave birth on her last trip to the United States and was an overstayed immigrant, as well to join his eldest daughter who was on Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
“Solomon Claudius George agreed to withdraw his application for admission in lieu of a formal order of expedited removal…,” Winstead reported. “Solomon George was provided a photocopy of the sworn statement … and his VISA was cancelled…,” he added.
“Solomon George was offered an opportunity to contact someone in the U.S. to inform them of his situation and he denied calling his future son-in-law Clarence Wright. He also offered an opportunity to speak to a Liberian consular official regarding his situation. Solomon George declined to speak to the consulate.”
Two weeks ago Representative George wrote the plenary of the House of Representatives seeking excuse to travel to the United States, but his communication was rejected by Deputy Speaker Hans Barchue—who presides over the House’s session amid the recusal of Speaker Tyler—because he refused to recognize Barchue as Presiding Officer in his communication.
Representative George is one of recused Speaker Tyler’s vocal supporters in the ensuing leadership crisis at the House of Representatives. In one of the heated debates, where some lawmakers asked the Speaker to recuse himself, he told three of his fellow members of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) “I am your mothers’ boyfriend” when asked who he was.
Bribery issues emerge
As part of the investigation the officer discovered $5,000 with the lawmaker and when he was asked why was he traveling with such amount and how was such amount acquired, he responded by telling the officer that he received the money from two banks and additional $6,000 from the House’s credit club.
“The last time we came we were booked to come from [Minnesota to New York]. There was no direct flight from [New York] so we had to go to North Carolina] and had to stay in a hotel for 5 days. So this time I want to make sure I have money in my pocket,” Representative George responded to the immigration officer.
Representative George’s questioning quickly jumped to allegation that he had accepted a bribe while carrying out his duties in the House of Representatives. Senator George Weah, the CDC political leader had sent him a text in which he asked Representative George whether he had received some money.
“There are text messages on your phone from Senator Weah that described in detail that you accepted money for your signature while you were a government official. Basically, that you took bribe. So, I will ask you again, did you take a bribe while in office in the Liberian House of Representatives? The officer asked.
George responded by saying “No he was joking with me.”
Representative George was also told by the officer about half of his family living in the United States and was carrying the rest of his family and had scrapped together every penny he could before entering the U.S. and was informed that he had evidence on his phone that suggested that he accepted bribe money in return for some political or legislative benefit for someone in Liberia.
“You have not presented enough evidence to make me believe that you are here for tourism purposes. Therefore, you are inadmissible to the United States pursuant to section 212(a) (7)(A)(i)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Your admission is withdrawn under authority of section 217 of the Act. Do you understand that you are not eligible to enter the United States at this time?” Ryan asked.
“I do not understand it. I have been here before I don’t understand why,” Rep. George responded.
Representative George is one of many Liberian lawmakers that travel to the United States and other western countries yearly for vacation.
Some of these officials relocate their families to developed countries due to poor education, health and other facilities at home but yet they make all the decisions that affect people in their underdeveloped home country.
A good number of Liberian lawmakers and government officials have their families living abroad especially the United States of America which these officials see as an ideal place for living.
The American Immigration Officer decision against Representative George could send strong message to other lawmakers and is also a worrying signal to others who usually move their families back and forth.
