标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis

WASHINGTON, DC — The Trump administration is preparing to implement significant immigration restrictions targeting 75 countries worldwide, with numerous Caribbean nations expected to be included in the expanded list. According to sources familiar with the matter, the new policy will temporarily suspend immigrant visa processing for affected countries beginning January 21, 2026.

The measure specifically targets individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States and stems from concerns regarding migrants’ utilization of public welfare programs. State Department officials have expressed particular apprehension about the ‘public charge’ rule, which refers to foreign nationals who access public benefits.

In an official statement released via the State Department’s X account, the administration clarified: ‘The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.’

While the complete list of affected countries remains unconfirmed, multiple media outlets report that several Caribbean territories are under consideration for inclusion. Potential candidates include Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The U.S. Embassy in Barbados has acknowledged the impending implementation of the visa pause but indicated that official confirmation regarding the specific countries affected is still pending. This development represents the latest in a series of hardline immigration measures pursued by the Trump administration since taking office, continuing its focus on restricting both illegal migration and visa overstays while enforcing immigration law violations more strictly.

Nevis Island Administration Premier, the Honourable Mark Brantley, has scheduled his inaugural monthly press briefing for 2026 on January 27th at 10:00 a.m. The event will be conducted from the Cabinet Room within the Social Security Building at Pinney’s Estate, marking the first major governmental communication event of the new year.

Premier Brantley, who concurrently serves as Minister of Information, is expected to address matters of significant national importance while providing comprehensive updates on the administration’s current priorities and strategic initiatives. The format will include formal opening remarks followed by an interactive question-and-answer session with accredited media representatives.

The administration has arranged extensive live coverage across multiple broadcasting platforms to ensure widespread public accessibility. Viewership options include traditional television via Nevis Television (NTv) Channel 99, digital streaming through NevisTvOnline.com and the NTv Go App, social media platforms including the Nevis Television Facebook page, and the Nevis Newscast YouTube channel. Radio broadcasts will simultaneously air on Voice of Nevis (VON) Radio, Freedom FM, and WINN FM.

The Nevis Island Administration encourages both media professionals and general citizens to participate virtually in this important democratic exercise, emphasizing the event’s role in disseminating timely information about policies and developments affecting the island community.

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis has officially entered into a memorandum of understanding with the United States regarding the acceptance of certain deportees and refugees, becoming the latest Caribbean nation to join this regional arrangement. Prime Minister Terrance Drew confirmed the agreement during a January 8th roundtable discussion with journalists, clarifying that the arrangement specifically applies to nationals from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, with explicit exclusion of Haitian citizens.

The agreement contains significant limitations, applying only to individuals without violent or sexual criminal histories. This development follows similar confirmations from Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, though each nation has negotiated distinct terms within their respective memoranda.

Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized the practical constraints of his nation’s small population of approximately 60,000, noting that while no specific numbers have been finalized, American authorities recognize these limitations. Security concerns regarding potential deportees were also acknowledged by both parties during negotiations.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne provided additional context through social media statements, clarifying that his nation’s arrangement is non-binding and includes the right to reject any individual proposed by the United States. The agreement caps annual acceptances at no more than 10 deportees and explicitly excludes those with criminal backgrounds.

This diplomatic development occurs against the backdrop of existing visa restrictions imposed by the United States on both Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, scheduled to take effect in January 2026. Browne characterized his nation’s participation as a “measured diplomatic gesture” rather than an attempt to curry political favor, noting that over 100 governments worldwide were approached regarding similar arrangements.

Reports suggest Guyana may also be nearing a similar agreement, while inquiries to Saint Lucia’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding potential discussions remained unanswered at the time of reporting.

In a significant diplomatic development, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has formally entered into a bilateral arrangement with the United States government concerning the transfer of certain Caribbean Community nationals. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew unveiled the agreement during his weekly ‘Roundtable’ media briefing on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for the potential acceptance of third-country nationals within the CARICOM region, explicitly excluding Haitian citizens due to security considerations. Dr. Drew emphasized the selective nature of the arrangement, noting that only individuals without criminal records involving violent or sexual offenses would be considered for transfer.

This development places St. Kitts and Nevis among several Eastern Caribbean nations that have engaged in similar negotiations with US authorities. The Prime Minister clarified that the initiative resulted from proactive diplomacy rather than external pressure, countering speculation about regional coercion.

Regarding operational aspects, Dr. Drew indicated that financial responsibilities would predominantly fall to the United States, with logistical details currently undergoing finalization between both governments. The arrangement specifically targets CARICOM nationals who meet stringent eligibility criteria, reflecting the Federation’s commitment to regional solidarity while maintaining national security standards.

The agreement represents a carefully balanced approach to international cooperation, addressing humanitarian considerations while implementing robust safeguards to protect national interests.