GEORGETOWN, Guyana—Heads of Government from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have formally expressed deep concern regarding a recent United States proclamation imposing partial entry restrictions on nationals from Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth of Dominica. The Bureau of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government, which includes the prime ministers of Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica, issued a statement late Friday highlighting the disruptive potential of the policy on legitimate travel, regional economic stability, and longstanding people-to-people exchanges.
While acknowledging the sovereign right of any nation to regulate its borders, the Bureau emphasized its dismay that the significant decision was enacted unilaterally without prior diplomatic consultation. The leaders pointed to the particular vulnerability of small island states, where such policies can disproportionately impact social well-being and economic vitality.
The US policy, enacted via an executive order, specifically suspends entry for immigrants and nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas from these nations. The justification centers on concerns over Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, which allow foreign investors to obtain citizenship through financial contributions without mandatory residency. US authorities argue these programs present significant security challenges, potentially enabling individuals to circumvent existing travel restrictions or conceal their identities and assets.
In a positive development following the Caricom statement, both affected nations announced that Washington had agreed to temporarily suspend the policy’s implementation. Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US confirmed that all existing visas for its nationals would remain valid and not be revoked. Future visa applications submitted after January 1, 2026, will be subject to new, yet-to-be-finalized arrangements focused on enhancing biometric data collection to ensure compatibility with US systems.
Caricom leaders have called for urgent engagement with US officials to clarify the proclamation’s details and address outstanding concerns, reaffirming their commitment to a partnership built on mutual respect and the rule of law.