Antigua and Barbuda’s immigration system is under intense scrutiny for its inefficiency and inequitable treatment of applicants. While the Immigration and Passport Act of 2014 outlines clear requirements for residency and citizenship, the execution of these laws has been marred by inconsistencies, poor communication, and financial barriers. The 2022 Amnesty Program, intended to regularize the status of undocumented residents, has become a glaring example of these systemic failures. Thousands of applicants were left in limbo due to unclear communication from the Immigration Department, with many mistakenly believing that acknowledgment cards granted them residency or citizenship. In reality, these cards only served as proof of registration, a distinction that was not adequately explained. As a result, many participants are now at risk of deportation, despite having followed the program’s instructions. Further compounding the issue, applicants report inconsistent treatment, such as receiving shorter stamp durations than promised and being charged double fees for dual applications. The high costs of residency and citizenship, which exceed the average monthly salary, make legal status unattainable for many working families. Delays in processing applications, exacerbated by backlogs from the COVID-19 pandemic, have eroded trust in the system. Additionally, the absence of a citizenship test means new citizens are not required to demonstrate basic knowledge of Antigua and Barbuda’s anthem, language, or history—a practice common in other countries. To address these issues, experts recommend clear written guidance from the Attorney General and Chief Immigration Officer, standardized stamp durations, elimination of double fees, and the introduction of a citizenship test. The government must also commit resources to clear the backlog and publish regular progress reports. Without these reforms, the public’s faith in the immigration system will continue to decline, undermining the principles of fairness and national pride.
LETTER: I Believe Antigua and Barbuda’s Immigration System Is Failing the People
