BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The government of Antigua and Barbuda has indicated it remains without official notification regarding a potential suspension of immigrant visa processing by the United States, which reportedly targets 75 nations including twelve Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states. This development follows media reports indicating the U.S. Department of State is considering such measures under a new White House directive.
Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s representative to the United States, confirmed conducting immediate inquiries with State Department officials. He clarified that while discussions are ongoing, no formal announcement or written communication has been delivered to embassies of the purportedly affected countries. According to Sanders, the measure under consideration would specifically target immigrant visas—commonly known as green cards—and entail a temporary pause of up to 60 days to reassess vetting and screening protocols.
The proposed suspension, attributed to the Trump administration, is framed as an effort to prevent the alleged exploitation of the U.S. immigration system and public benefits. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated the review aims to block entry of foreign nationals who might seek welfare assistance.
Twelve CARICOM countries are identified as potentially impacted: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Notably exempted are Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Additional nations reportedly under review include Somalia, Russia, and Iran.
Ambassador Sanders emphasized that immigrant visa applications remain strictly bilateral matters between individual applicants and U.S. authorities, without involvement from applicants’ home governments. Concurrently, the Gaston Browne administration continues diplomatic efforts to have Antigua and Barbuda removed from existing visa restriction lists, including bond requirements for certain applicants.