Cabinet Acknowledges Overstays Have Complicated U.S. Visa Relations

On the matter of U.S. Visa Bonds & Travel to the United States, Prime Minister Browne pointed out the following to members of the Cabinet:

1) Public Concern

• The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is aware of the public concern following reports that, in limited circumstances, some nationals may be required to post a visa bond when applying for a U.S. visitor visa.
• Government understands the anxiety this has caused and is addressing it directly through diplomatic engagement.

2) What the visa bond does—and does not do

• No bond applies to holders of existing U.S. visas.
  • Those visas remain valid under their current terms.
• The visa bond applies only to a very narrow category of new visa applicants under a U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Programme.
• It does not apply to all travellers.
• The bond does not guarantee the issuance of a visa and it does not automatically deny a visa either.

3) What created the  issue?

• Antigua and Barbuda, like other countries listed, was not advised in advance of the U.S. public announcement.
• The announcement was made without prior notice even to U.S. embassies accredited to affected countries.
• This lack of notice contributed to uncertainty, which the Government is now working to resolve through direct engagement.

4) U.S. rationale (as indicated by U.S. authorities)

• U.S. authorities have indicated that the purpose of the bond is to encourage compliance with U.S. immigration laws—particularly timely departure from the United States.

5) Behaviour of a few citizens 

• Government must be candid: there have been instances of overstays and charges on the U.S. public purse, including unpaid hospital bills, by a small number of nationals.
• Those actions create difficulties not only for the individuals involved, but for all Antiguans and Barbudans who travel legitimately.

6) Government’s action and high-level engagement

• On the instructions of the Prime Minister, Antigua and Barbuda has re-engaged directly with the U.S. State Department at the highest levels.
• A formal diplomatic note has been submitted.
• The Government is working strenuously to achieve a correction of this measure.

7) Antigua and Barbuda’s strong record

• Antigua and Barbuda’s visitor overstay rate is consistently low, and significantly below that of many countries not subject to bond requirements.
• Antigua and Barbuda has also demonstrated long-standing cooperation with the United States on immigration compliance and security matters.

8) Government’s objective

• Government’s objective is clear and fair:
  • Antiguan and Barbudan passport holders must be treated no less favourably than nationals of other CARICOM countries.
  • Visa processing for citizens must remain fair and reasonable.

9) Ongoing Negotiations:

• Discussions are ongoing on removing restrictions affecting visas for legitimate Antiguan and Barbudan travellers.
• These negotiations are serious, measured, and persistent.
• While international outcomes are never guaranteed, the Government is confident there is room for reason to prevail.

10) Guidance to citizens

• Government urges all citizens travelling abroad to:
  • Respect immigration laws fully, including timely departure, and
  • Meet all personal obligations.
• The conduct of a few can affect the many.

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