Residents in Antigua and Barbuda are pushing back against a new United States visa bond requirement, warning it could disrupt travel, family ties and business, while forcing the Caribbean to rethink its reliance on the U.S.
From January 21, some new applicants from Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica may be required to post refundable bonds of US$5,000 to US$15,000, set during consular interviews to ensure compliance with visa conditions. The rule does not apply to existing visas and does not guarantee approval.
Residents say the policy was imposed abruptly and unfairly, given the region’s deep social and economic ties to the United States. The move has fueled calls for Caribbean governments to respond collectively, strengthen regional trade and reduce dependence on U.S. travel and markets.
The Antigua and Barbuda government has said the bond applies only to a narrow category of applicants, while the opposition has criticized what it describes as poor communication and limited transparency.
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“ The Antigua and Barbuda government has said the bond applies only to a narrow category of applicants”. Up to now, nobody can explain to me who this “narrow category of applicants” is. Who are these applicants subject to the bond?
Why play into the emotions and feelings of those who lack the ability to understand basic basic concepts of geopolitics
Anyone who thinks this was imposed abruptly and unfairly is living in denial.
First the public was made to believe it was about CIP.
Gaston Browne even write they ask us to be innovative and now we are innovative with CIP; it’s a problem.
I would start by asking what’s innovative about CIP?
This is mostly about an inconvenient matter.
How many have overstayed their Visas?
How many have left million dollar medical bills behind for US tax payers to cover?
How many have had bogus marriage that was not bona fide? And now live on social welfare aid?
Is that how deep social and economic ties to the United States is defined?
Ambassador Ronald Saunders has made it clear that reasons for the United States imposition of the new bonding rule.
It’s a program to be reevaluated down the road
Set some guidelines and inform the public rather than playing into their emotions.
Antiguans who are green card holders and have US citizenship are not subjected to these new rules.
Should they practice medical tourism and leave bills behind the bond requieill not be lifted.
Has the Government of Antigua issued a statement clarifying what type of visa requires a bond? Not all visas require a bond.
The statement that the move has fueled calls for Caribbean governments to respond collectively,
And the answer is to strengthen regional trade and reduce dependence on U.S. travel and markets. Remember LIAT can’t have a stronger bond.
The Antigua and Barbuda government has said the US bond applies only to a narrow category of applicants, while the opposition has criticized what it describes as poor communication and limited transparency.
No one; absolutely no one, has presented a detailed picture or respond collectively; with a feasible solution to strengthen regional trade and reduce dependence on U.S. travel and markets.
Look at CARICOM is all talk about CSME. Waste of time and tax payers money.
Consider the fact that Gaston Browne after Marco Rubio says: “get rid of the Cubans”; rather ramping up the health science program at UWI Five Islands to meet the healthcare needs of not only Antigua and Barbuda but the Eastern Caribbean. Gaston the genius is planning a law school at UWI Five Islands, while importing nurses from Africa.
That’s a genius move you all.
Many things we are complaining about are self inflicted.
And I’ll add to your article, since you are not understanding the fullness of what the public is really saying.
It is contention of many of us, that this was not an abrupt action. Many of us do know that GB knew about the hammer coming down and failed to inform the people about it.
He and his so-called Embassador Sanders are the ones who claimed they got caught off guard (which is a lie) but yet still came out and said they knew about the refugee request from the US 90 days ago.
So talk straight when you come out with your articles, because how can you know about a big immigration issue as big as accepting refugees, and not know about the Visa restrictions, which fall under the same immigration department?
So stop pointing to the Citizens to clarify GB f**k-ups. He knew everything, and he chose to keep it from his people, him.
He is the one who told his listeners that he knew about the refugee agreement 90 days ago at the time he told them(this week).
And let me further clarity your article, since that it seems that this is written by GB himself.
Gatson Browne wouldn’t have to hide anything if he wasn’t trying to play every side, instead of just chosing the benefits of the US(for his people) over that of other nations, which only benefits him. In particular Venezuela oil money.
Write those things next time.
But thanks for allowing me to clarify it for you and what is really being said by the public.
Not this misguided foolishness.
Isn’t GB the PM of Antigua?
Well,he acts like he’s just a finance minister and not the PM.
Well he’s failing at both.
You listen to ALP and Gaston on his radio station? they relish the days when the older people couldn’t read and the ALP used ABS radio and ZDK to control the people and even broadcast when they would be bombing the place during PLM time in office destabilizing the PLM government.
You just reach out for the information from the USA and ask one of your educated family member to read and explain for you, not even the lawyers here in antigua will say a word for the people, they all get monies from the processing of CIP documents.
GASTON GASTON GASTON BROWE
You beat me to it, same damm question I asking.
A few Caribbean countries have been having press conferences, updating their citizens but in this 1×4 country not a word from the government.
Set a jokers.
As long as their citizens continue to visit our islands and contribute millions in tourism revenue, we remain economically secure and free to use that income to travel to cleaner, safer countries. A leader who lacks empathy is unlikely to last, and it is only a matter of time before US Congress reaches its limit.
@Narrow.. not even the US seems to have all the answers. They will remind you this is a pilot program hence there will be hiccups and changes will result. A good site to get some info is https://agoravisa.com/understanding-the-us-visa-bond-pilot-program-complete-guide-for-affected-travelers/ What it points out is these are single entry visas only (max of 3 months). Really can’t see anyone going though this expense (trip to Barbados, flight, hotel, visa fees, then a bond) for a one use visa. In terms of the bond they say they will make exceptions for medical emergencies. According to the site , the bond (5k to 15K usd)applies to all A&B citizens who apply for a B1/B2 visa.
Antiguans are so funny and stupid. We want to dictate to the US what their policy should be. Aren’t people watching the American news? I know we don’t read. Trump is not rational. Or in fact, Stephen Miller, who is the person making these immigration decisions, does not want black and brown people in the US. Take a look at the countries which have been put on the visa list. Antigua like many countries in the world put all their eggs in the US basket. Now we pay the price.
It is all about might being right and a fickle caribbean population that is addicted to Americanism. We in the caribbean including our leaders make excuses for American greed and hide behind fake diplomacy.
While Trump is taking in white south Africans and desperately inviting white people from Denmark, Switzerland and other EU countries to settle in America he is imposing restrictions on America’s Caribbean neighbors who just happen to black..
Reasons for these restrictions are the CBI which poses absolutely no threat to America as the countries operating the CBI do not have visa free access to America, it is only America through its visa process decides who from these countries enters America. The China issue is just more foolishness, China is America’s biggest trading partner and holds a huge chunk of its debt, yet it wants poor caribbean nations to avoid China. Cuba has humiliated America in the past, America was kicked out Cuba following the revolution and they were soundly beaten at the bay of pigs apparently America can’t move on from this humiliation they stuck in the past.
It is time our governments tell us the reason for us accepting third country nationals. The rubbish and lies uttered by the Chairman of Caricom should be avoided, let us just be honest with ourselves.
Since many will not pay attention to what is going on with Trump and his recklessness that changes from minute to minute, then they need to go to their convenient last resort, prayer. Yes let them pray that Trump will override these decisions of Stephen Miller, the hater of brown and black immigrants and people. Pray, people, pray, since you will not face reality. You doubt the government when they say they did not know in advance so you are not seeing where a US official says one thing and an hour later Trump says the opposite. It just happened a few days ago, where Rubio said one thing on the future of Venezuala and less than 24 hours later Trump said the opposite. And finally, Immigration matters are handled by the State Department but all of these proclamations on visas are coming straight from the White House and Rubio finds out about them like the rest of the world via the media. So wake up, people. Trump’s world is a new world and he does not want you. You are the wrong colour.
While I understand that the US has a right to determine its visa rule and who is allowed to enter its borders, citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are still baffled and mystified that this rule only applies to Antiguans and Barbudans and Dominicans and not to OECS countries across the board. There is a general feeling that we are being kept in the dark as to the real reasons we are being squeezed by Washington. The US assertions that our Citizenship By Investment Programe is flawed seem to be having a greater impact on things than many believe. Reports of Chinese, Syrians, Yemeni Pakistanis, Iranians and others easily getting Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship passport over the years angered the US. Recently the Nevis Premier signaled the death of the CIP even as his twin island federation is a major player in the Citizenship by Investment Program. No one really knows where Antigua and Barbuda stands at this time and if we are now prepared to pull the plug on the CIP issue.
Imagine the Tinman has been pushed to do some mopping up for the incompetents and doesn’t even know where to start. Those who are the cause of the squabbling know exactly why all these restrictions but as is usual, they will never speak the truth so here comes the ignoramus to tell us that not even the United States Government understands what’s happening. You need to go back in your dungeon.
@ Audley Phillip,
Those who don’t know are the illiterate; the lazy and the easily manipulated.
@Rovi alludes to the fact that neither the authorities nor the media has provided clear and concise information.
In diplomacy there are things that are made public and some that aren’t readily made public. Lots has been made public in this situation, although it has come out in drips and drops.
Antigua News Room is unlikely to admit it; but Antigua and Barbuda is a media dessert.
This matter is not about general feelings. It’s about actions and inactions.
Given the Government is not always forthcoming, it’s individuals like you to do the research and analysis.
Take a hard look at what Ron Saunders says is the reasons for these new restrictions and the requirements for the posting of bonds.
He is the ambassador responsible for Antiguans Barbuda’s interests in Washington.
A bond is to ensure that the party providing the bond performs as promised.
We live in a complex and multilayered world.
Our Prime Minister has gone to the UN and lambasted others about global warming as he makes his case for climate change compensations. These things do not go unnoticed.
With a US President that says there is no such thing as global warming. What do you expect?
Yes there is global warming; but grandstanding at the UN is not the way to address the problem and its impact.
How you explain the utterances of Mia Mottley on interviews and at the UN? Barbados has not been affected by restrictions and bonds . Before you come at me saying Bajans don’t have a CIP program, do some critical thinking.
The issue on ground is Dominica And Antigua & Barbuda have been hit we with restrictions or bonds. If the punishment for speaking out on Climate change and imperialism was visa restrictions, Barbados would be top of the list.
If speaking out to Rubio the a country would refuse to send home Cuban Doctors and Nurses, then Jamaica would be part of the Ban.
Also remember this, scale matters. DR and Jamaica have scores of flights to and from the US every day. The airlines would balk at losing profitable routes. That is why it is essential for smaller islands to group together with one voice. I know some may get emotional, but the fact is that Antigua has a population of less that 100000.
Still Antiguan do travel, and if they can”t the Airlines won’t find it profitable.
Stop blaming your PM, he can’t do anything unless he rescinds the passport of those people who are from countries that are restricted from the US.
The US Government doesn’t give a fig or two about what Antiguans think about their policies. They do not need us for anything. This Administration must comply with anything America wants with all the fat chat Gaston has. Remember the Dawg is on his knees trying to get an Embassy here so he doesn’t mind being Trump’s Poodle once he is Faithful National #1 hero
@ Audley Phillip,
Politics and diplomacy are a chess game.
Simple minds can’t get the plays and the moves.
They are easily influenced by the manipulators like @Tenman, Max Hurst at el.
Our parents lived through the ZDK era.
PDVcab is mentioned in the US Southern District Court Maduro arraignment documents. Connect the dots.
For the first time in the history of Antigua and Barbuda as an independent state; all of its law machinery just hold a news conference snd issued a joint statement about drug trafficking.
Remember the movie Casa Blanca
The Prime Minister disclosed that the President of WIOC was retained by US authorities and his electronic equipment searched.
To be facetious on this one; I’m guessing he has some racy stuff on his iPhone why he did not inform the PM; or he was informed if he and his family ever wanted to visit the US again keep quiet.
My guess…. I have no facts to support except it’s highly unusual the President of WIOC on whose board the PM wife and a member of Cabinet sits on his board.
Why would he inform the Prime Minister? Did he make a deal to testify?
I am just asking questions and making unfounded but logical assumptions. Not trying to mislead anyone here.
😂.
I thought it was the long touted assertion “that when the US sneeze we catch the flu” and now all of a sudden we are trying to play dumb like we don’t know anything?
y’all just stop it, because it’s just more and more ignorant and hypocritical y’all sound.
Call a damn spade a spade. Yes Trump is who he is, and GB and co is also who they are..both things are true.
GB and his band on merry men(cabinet) has gotten meeting after meetings with the US. For Christ sakes they are on flights going somewhere every bloody minute, and you’re telling me this is what our money spending, in high end hotels get us! ” Trump hates black people” or ” he himself don’t even know what’s going on”?
Huh?
Y’all got to be frigging kidding me.
The fact that this is the excuse that some are willing to put forth for this lazy, inept, fat on the hog Administration, is just outrageous.
This is what the many frequent meetings , bragging about how the likes of Dwayne George are traveling abroad for the betterment of his people, posting pictures everywhere with big dignitaries, and this is all you idiots can summoned up, that’Trump is a racist and he doesn’t know what he’s doing,huh?
So you guys didn’t know all that before you spend up Antigua peoples tax money traveling left right and center?
I just beg y’all please to stop while y’all are ahead, because y’allz are just digging a deeper hole for y’allz selves. 😂
Sheesh!!!
This Saturday morning here with these Antiguan’s. SMDH.
@ Jamboy,
Critical thinking is to recognize that Trump says he wants China and Russia out of the Western Hemisphere and what is the likely consequences when we have China integrated in our the fabric of our country .
Critical thinking is to recognize that even though Mia Motley spoke of climate change; her focus was on Barbados foreign debt is held by Wall Street at usury interest rates. She did get relief on Foriegn debt
Barbados got some relief on its foriegn debt. What did Gaston get so far?
When Trump says he wants China and Russia out of his Southern border.
Critical thinking says Gaston has his work cut out for him; will have to explain the monstrosity that’s the Chinese Embassy in Antigua.
This tabloid catering to Caribbean people in the US has several articles showing what Caribbeans people are reading about Gaston Browne and Antigua.
https://www.caribbeanlife.com/
When Trump is making his moves supported by little Marco Rubio do you think he has any concerns about airlines routes and profitability in the Caribbeans.
Jamaica and the other larger Caribbean has taken China’s financial support with regards to building their infrastructure.
None other islands has 10 MOUs with China and a monstrous embassy compound.
No other islands has a free trade zone with a Chinese company which has failed to perform and has not been sent packing.
At a time when Trump the gladiator says he wants China out of The Caribbean and Latin America; and Antigua and Barbuda is more imbedded that any other country.
It just takes being informed. It’s also about accepting responsibility and reality.
No critical thinking required.
Now Critical thinking is to understand why Putin don’t want to end the war with Ukraine.
I suspect that’s too exoteric for you, and your pay grade your pay grade.
NB: While I detested Donald Trump with a little knowledge of him back in the early 80s when he was attending social events under the invitation of Robert Morgenthau then DA of NY County.
Further when he took out an ad asking for hanging of “The Central Park Five” he made himself a pariah in my mind
@ Islanman26,
It’s only January and you are on fire.
Let me issue a 5 star to you before you before you burn the house down.
@coutryman.
Talk to these people please.
Because what they failed to realize, is that GB has missed all the plays that could have put Antigua in a better place, but he was playing all sides and miss the play with Trump.
Now he is left scrambling.
That’s what happening here.
What they are failing to realize (regardless of Trump and who he is) that GB has failed to see the chess moves,and now got caught in a quagmire.
And like you have asked..what do we have to show for it?
A big arse Chinese embassy and China keeping quiet about the entire thing.
Huuumm.
And this fool Jamboy is talking about, oh, don’t blame the PM.
We put him in office to see the place on behalf of the people of Antigua you idiot @jamboy.
Idiot just talking for talking sake. These are serious issues, and talking about ” banding” together is as old a story as it gets, especially when we Antiguan’s have PM that got lost in the game.
@coutryman.
Talk to these people please.
Because what they failed to realize, is that GB has missed all the plays that could have put Antigua in a better place, but he was playing all sides and miss the play with Trump.
Now he is left scrambling.
That’s what happening here.
What they are failing to realize (regardless of Trump and who he is) that GB has failed to see the chess moves,and now got caught in a quagmire.
And like you have asked..what do we have to show for it?
A big arse Chinese embassy and China keeping quiet about the entire thing.
Huuumm.
And this fool Jamboy is talking about, oh, don’t blame the PM.
We put him in office to see the plays on behalf of the people of Antigua you idiot @jamboy.
Idiot just talking for talking sake. These are serious issues, and talking about ” banding” together is as old a story as it gets, especially when we Antiguan’s have PM that got lost in the game.
@countryman.
It’s just the truth.
These people are trying to have a political argument and a national identity argument in the same breath, and conflating the issues that brought us here.
And that’s squarely on GB.
I don’t give a shit is Trump walk upside-down everyday for the rest of his life, but politics is politics, and this man GB has failed us in Politics.
This is a political argument..not some right of passage bullshit from the 60’s.
When I want to hear that, I go listen to a old louis Farahkan tape or a Malcom X exsurp.
We are talking about Antigua here, in person and live and direct, and it hurts me to see that these people think they can move forward with a corrupt leader, and come on this forum to vouch for that.
Just alarming
We Antiguans and Barbudans exists in a unique but uncomfortable space among our Caribbean compatriots.
Since the 1950’s while not well-documented in formal academic sources, we are called “Garrots” a derogatory term by US Virgin Islanders who thought we were migrating to take their jobs. While some Leeward Islanders and the Rasta community in Jamaica says we face up Marcus Garvey
For US Virgin Islanders they equated Antiguans to them“garrot bird,” a bird said to steal objects, making the term a mild slur or slight.
Jamaican claim an Antiguan rated out Marcus Garvey. It is well documented that it’s a lie.
Caribbean Life newspaper out of Brooklyn is currently reporting
https://www.caribbeanlife.com/
Gaston Browne is reported as the onlybPrime Minister of the in Caribbean to has caved to Trump and had agreed to taking deportees.
We are again being besmirched as a Country of sellouts.
Time for Gaston to sue and for his scavengers like Tenman and Faithful#1 to write to the editor about this story.
If you can’t, don’t come back here defending snd praising Gaston Browne.
Should we expect another derogatory label placed on Antiguans because our Prime Minister policies and actions.
Time for PM Gaston Browne to come clean!!!!
I want to walk proud as an Antiguan on the streets of metropolis around the world, rather than bow my head in shame.
@Countryman.
You don’t even know what critical thinking is. You try to rain insults about pay grade blah blah blah..
Critical thinking would let you know that Rubio and his boys are working for the corporations .
Critical thinking say Ms Mottley protested and Bajan are safe, So why does Brown protest give Antigua sorrow .
Anyway you are a propagandist
@Jamboy.
Go and learn proper diplomacy from your PM Andrew Holiness.
He just had a speech in parliament yesterday, go listen to it.
That’s a man who understand his play in all this politics..Go and learn,and stop talking about this banding together bs.
In today’s political play, you must pick a side, and GB picked the wrong sides, plain and simple.
His political instincts are terrible, and they have been displayed over the years as such.
Just look at the decisions he has made..they certainly are not for Antiguan’s, because if you think America is not a big deal Antigua/Carribean, you are holding a personal grudge more than a political view.
There are as many people from the Caribbean in America as much as they the remain in Caribbean.
So this Visa thing is huge @jamboy.
What,they throw you out of Jamaica or something?
@Jamboy
Your moniker says it all, and so does mine.
I don’t argue with boys.
@ Ilanman26 FYI. Today’s Financial Times (FT) Jan. 10th /11th HOME section has an article titled: Antigua vs. Barbados.
It covers a worring subject we have to deal with.
@countryman.
I read the article.
Even more eye opening indeed.
Massive difference in policies between the two islands. Waw.
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