CARICOM leaders are upset about a new U.S. travel rule affecting two member nations. The regional group expressed serious concern over the American proclamation placing partial entry limits on citizens from Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth of Dominica. The Bureau of the Caribbean Community Conference of Heads of Government acknowledged a country's right to control its borders but stated the December 16 decision lacked prior discussion. They worry it will hurt legitimate travel and damage the economies of these small islands.
The U.S. policy, citing national security and vetting problems, restricts immigrant visas and ordinary tourist, student, and exchange visitor visas for those two countries. It also tells officials to shorten the validity of other visas. Existing restrictions on Haiti and Cuba continue under the updated order. CARICOM specifically noted confusion over what happens to current visas after the new year. They called for immediate talks between the U.S. and the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, along with Dominica, to explain the rules. The group emphasized its long partnership with the United States, hoping for cooperation based on mutual respect. They aim to protect regional prosperity and citizen well-being through further dialogue.
The U.S. policy, citing national security and vetting problems, restricts immigrant visas and ordinary tourist, student, and exchange visitor visas for those two countries. It also tells officials to shorten the validity of other visas. Existing restrictions on Haiti and Cuba continue under the updated order. CARICOM specifically noted confusion over what happens to current visas after the new year. They called for immediate talks between the U.S. and the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, along with Dominica, to explain the rules. The group emphasized its long partnership with the United States, hoping for cooperation based on mutual respect. They aim to protect regional prosperity and citizen well-being through further dialogue.
