The US Embassy in Port of Spain has issued a definitive statement clarifying that no foreign government influences its visa approval, denial, or revocation processes. This announcement follows reports that Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, had requested the embassy to deny and revoke visas of citizens allegedly spreading defamatory and misleading narratives about joint security operations in the region. In a media release dated November 26, the embassy emphasized that visa decisions are solely made by the US government, based on individual merits and adherence to US laws. The statement underscored that visas are not revoked due to the exercise of free speech, a fundamental American value, but may be denied or revoked in cases involving criminal activity. The controversy gained traction after Gary Aboud, corporate secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea, revealed on November 21 that his US visa had been revoked. Aboud speculated that his vocal opposition to US missile strikes in the Southern Caribbean and Pacific, which have reportedly killed over 80 alleged drug traffickers since September 2, led to the decision. He further accused the Trinidad and Tobago government of influencing the visa revocation. However, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has firmly denied any involvement by her administration in the matter.