Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s top diplomat to the United States, has clarified that his nation has received no formal communication from the U.S. Department of State regarding potential visa processing suspensions. This statement, released on Tuesday, addresses circulating media reports suggesting Washington is contemplating a temporary halt for applicants from approximately 75 countries, including several Caribbean nations.
Upon learning of these reports, which specifically named Antigua and Barbuda, Ambassador Sanders immediately sought clarification from senior State Department officials. While these discussions revealed that the consideration stems from a new White House-directed requirement, Sanders emphasized that the scope of the measure has been significantly overstated in international media coverage.
The proposal under review would not constitute a blanket suspension but would be specifically targeted at immigrant visas, commonly known as green cards. This limited pause, potentially lasting up to 60 days, would allow for a review of existing screening and vetting procedures. Ambassador Sanders stressed that all information remains preliminary, as no written directive has been circulated to affected embassies.
Concurrently, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda continues its diplomatic engagements with U.S. officials. These ongoing representations aim to have the country removed from lists subject to various partial visa restrictions, including specific bond requirements for certain applicants. Sanders reiterated that decisions on U.S. immigration applications reside solely with American authorities and individual applicants, with countries of nationality holding no legal or administrative role in the approval process.