In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has suspended its recently announced travel restrictions targeting nationals from Dominica and Antigua & Barbuda. The decision comes after high-level discussions between Caribbean leaders and U.S. officials, effectively halting a proclamation that would have barred citizens of these nations from entering American territory starting January 1, 2026.
Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed appreciation for the suspension during a national address on state-owned DBS Radio. He confirmed that following productive negotiations with both the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and officials at the State Department in Washington, an agreement was reached to temporarily set aside the controversial immigration policy announced by President Donald Trump on December 16, 2025.
The original proclamation specifically targeted countries offering Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs without residency requirements, which U.S. authorities claimed presented significant challenges for security screening and vetting procedures. Both Dominica and Antigua & Barbuda operate such programs, granting citizenship to foreign investors who make substantial contributions to their socio-economic development.
President Trump’s executive order had argued that these CBI programs could enable individuals from restricted countries to obtain citizenship from Caribbean nations and subsequently apply for U.S. visas, potentially circumventing existing travel bans. The document further expressed concerns about identity concealment and asset hiding through these investment citizenship schemes.
Prime Minister Skerrit assured Dominican citizens that all current visa holders remain eligible to travel to the United States beyond the January 1 deadline. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to continuing collaborative relations with Washington, stating, “We are prepared to continue working with the U.S. on whatever issues they may have, moving forward together as partners.”
Simultaneously, Antigua and Barbuda confirmed receiving similar suspension terms through their Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders. The agreement ensures no revocation of existing visas issued before December 31, 2025, and covers all categories including tourist, business, student, and other nonimmigrant visas. Both nations are now engaged in ongoing discussions with U.S. authorities to establish new biometric data collection systems that will ensure compatibility with American security requirements for future visa applications.