President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. expressed profound gratitude to Liberians in the diaspora for their substantial contributions to Liberia’s socio-economic development, recognizing their impact through the eminent chairman of the All-Liberian Conference on Dual Citizenship (ALCOD), Mr. Emmanuel S. Wettee. This acknowledgement underscored the vital role diaspora Liberians play in bolstering their homeland’s economy through remittances and contributions in diverse sectors. The remittances, estimated at $800 million in 2023 by the World Bank, represent a crucial lifeline for families and contribute significantly to Liberia’s economic stability, rivaling some foreign investments. This figure reflects a consistent upward trend in recent years, further highlighting the diaspora’s growing financial commitment to Liberia. President Boakai’s gesture symbolized his administration’s inclusive approach, recognizing the diaspora’s crucial role in national development and welcoming their participation in shaping Liberia’s future. By honoring Mr. Wettee, the President symbolically honored all diaspora Liberians, acknowledging their collective efforts and dedication.
Mr. Wettee’s recognition took place during Liberia’s 178th Independence Day celebrations in July 2025, where he was invested into the “Humane Order of African Redemption” with the “Grade of Knight Commander.” The citation highlighted his unwavering commitment to advocating for dual citizenship, a long-sought goal for many Liberians abroad. President Boakai detailed Wettee’s instrumental role in immigration advocacy in the 1990s, particularly his efforts within the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) to secure Temporary Protective Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians in the United States. As ULAA president, Wettee’s leadership was critical in securing extensions of these protections, ultimately paving the way for Liberians to gain lawful permanent resident status and American citizenship through the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act. This tireless advocacy demonstrated Wettee’s dedication to the well-being of his fellow Liberians.
Wettee’s leadership extended beyond immigration issues. He played a pivotal role in uniting diaspora Liberians under the banner of ALCOD, an organization specifically focused on achieving dual citizenship. From 2012 onwards, Wettee tirelessly rallied Liberians worldwide, engaging with government officials, civil society organizations, and legislators to amend the 1974 Aliens and Nationality Law and the Constitution to permit dual citizenship. Despite the initial setback in the 2020 Referendum, Wettee and his fellow advocates persisted, becoming familiar figures in legislative and executive branches as they championed the cause of dual citizenship under the slogan “Once a Liberian, always a Liberian.”
Their unwavering efforts culminated in the historic amendment of the Alien and Nationality Law on July 22, 2022, granting dual citizenship and affirming the enduring connection between Liberia and its diaspora. President Boakai commended Wettee’s “steadfastness and persistence” as well as his profound “love for country and fellow compatriots.” This recognition underscores the significance of Wettee’s contributions not only to the diaspora but to Liberia as a whole. The award symbolized the culmination of years of dedicated advocacy and the realization of a dream shared by many Liberians abroad.
Reverend Dr. Emmet L. Dunn, the orator for the 178th Independence Day celebration, echoed President Boakai’s sentiments, praising Wettee and organizations like ULAA for their leadership in securing dual citizenship. This acknowledgement from a prominent figure further solidified the recognition of Wettee’s contributions and the importance of the dual citizenship achievement. Wettee graciously accepted the honor, acknowledging the collective effort of ALCOD, its partners, and all those who contributed to the cause.
Wettee explicitly shared the award with key organizations that were integral to the dual citizenship movement, including ULAA, EFLA (European Federation of Liberian Associations), FOLICA (Federation of Liberian Communities in Australia), COLOSUS (Conference of Liberian Organizations in the Southwestern United States), ULAG (United Liberian Association in Ghana), LAFC (Liberia Advocacy for Change), CCL (Coalition of Concerned Liberians), and LAC (Liberian Association of Canada). This inclusive acknowledgment underscores the collaborative nature of the advocacy effort and the shared commitment of these organizations. Furthermore, Wettee recognized the crucial role of the 54th Legislature in amending the law and President Boakai in signing it, demonstrating a deep appreciation for the collaborative efforts across branches of government.
In addition to the organizations, Mr. Wettee also acknowledged the contributions of individual advocates, including Cllr. Seward Cooper, Cllr. Archibald F. Bernard, and Atty. Alvin Teage Jalloh. By highlighting the diverse range of individuals and organizations involved, Wettee’s gesture emphasized the collective strength and unity that underpinned the successful campaign for dual citizenship. This widespread acknowledgement underlines the importance of collaboration and shared purpose in achieving significant milestones in national development. The story of dual citizenship in Liberia, spearheaded by Emmanuel S. Wettee, is a testament to the power of persistent advocacy and the enduring bond between a nation and its diaspora.
