A new policy proposal from the government of Antigua and Barbuda has outlined tight, specific conditions under which third-country nationals transferred from U.S. custody would be allowed into the Caribbean nation, strictly limiting their stay to a temporary, transitional status rather than offering permanent relocation. The full text of the draft procedures was publicly shared Saturday during an interview on the *Browne and Browne Show* broadcast on local radio outlet Pointe FM, clarifying the small island nation’s core position on the emerging bilateral agreement with Washington.\n\nPrime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized that the central priority of the proposed framework is to put binding safeguards in place that prevent Antigua and Barbuda from being left with long-term responsibility for migrants who are unable to depart the country after their initial transfer. Under the terms of the draft, all transfers would be processed through V.C. Bird International Airport, the country’s main international gateway. At the airport, personnel from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security would hand over custody of transferred individuals to Antigua and Barbuda’s national immigration authorities. Critically, every person scheduled for transfer must receive formal written approval from the Antigua and Barbuda government before they are permitted to board a flight bound for the country.\n\nThe draft confirms that all admissions of transferred migrants will be carried out in full compliance with Antigua and Barbuda’s existing domestic legislation. Ahead of any first transfer, the government will formally codify the specific duration and additional conditions of the temporary admission status. Importantly, the act of being transferred to Antigua and Barbuda does not automatically grant an individual permanent residence, citizenship, formal refugee status, or authorization to seek employment within the country. The draft does not, however, prohibit transferred people from applying for asylum or other long-term legal status after their arrival; all such requests will be reviewed in accordance with both Antigua and Barbuda’s national laws and the country’s binding international treaty obligations.\n\nA key requirement laid out in the proposal mandates that the United States provide both logistical and financial support for all voluntary returns of migrants to their home countries, as well as for any legal onward travel to a third destination. In cases where a migrant is required to leave Antigua and Barbuda but cannot safely or legally return to their country of origin or nationality, the draft requires the U.S. to lead efforts to identify an alternative lawful destination that is acceptable to the Antigua and Barbuda government. Washington would also be required to continue covering all agreed-upon financial and logistical support until a permanent resolution is secured for the individual.\n\nBrowne confirmed that Antigua and Barbuda has already submitted its revised draft terms to U.S. officials for review. As of the latest update, the temporary admission arrangement remains a non-binding proposal, and no timeline or details for an initial transfer have been publicly announced by either government.
U.S. Deportees Would Receive Temporary Status Under Antigua’s Proposal
