Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan has vigorously defended the governments of Dominica and Antigua & Barbuda against criticism regarding recent U.S. visa restrictions, asserting both nations implemented comprehensive reforms to their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs well before the American policy announcement.
In an exclusive interview with Antigua.News, Astaphan dismissed opposition claims blaming Prime Ministers Gaston Browne and Roosevelt Skerrit as “ill-informed and misleading.” He revealed that since 2023, the five Eastern Caribbean CBI nations have maintained sustained collaboration with international partners including the United States and European Union.
A pivotal development occurred in October when U.S. officials specializing in anti-money laundering and counter-narcotics met with regional representatives, culminating in an 81-page agreement establishing a regional CBI Regulatory Authority. This comprehensive framework introduced far-reaching reforms covering enhanced due diligence, residency requirements, and prohibitions on name changes—all subsequently enacted into law.
“Antigua and Barbuda was the first country to pass and implement the required legislative changes,” Astaphan emphasized, highlighting the government’s proactive stance in addressing international concerns. He noted that despite the U.S. proclamation referencing residency issues, Antigua and Barbuda had already made necessary legal adjustments before the announcement.
The attorney expressed frustration with critics, stating: “Anyone who continues to criticise the CIP is either completely ignorant of the history of collaboration with the United States, or simply missed the parliamentary sittings and was unaware that the legislation had already been passed.”
The U.S. action, initiated through a December 16, 2025 proclamation signed by President Donald Trump, cited national security and public safety concerns. The policy aims to protect American citizens from terrorist attacks and other threats, citing weaknesses in foreign identity-management systems that limit proper vetting of travelers.
Dominica and Antigua & Barbuda are among several nations affected by these restrictions, which have generated significant international media coverage and social media discussion throughout the Caribbean region and beyond.