Prime Minister Gaston Browne has responded to reports of a potential U.S. travel ban on countries operating Citizenship by Investment (CIP) programs, asserting that Antigua and Barbuda has long maintained safeguards to prevent sanctioned individuals from acquiring its citizenship. Speaking on his weekly Browne and Browne Show, the Prime Minister emphasized that his administration remains committed to ensuring that the country’s CIP program does not pose a security risk to the United States.
According to Browne, the U.S. government is reportedly considering restrictions on travelers from nations with CIP schemes due to concerns that sanctioned individuals could obtain alternative citizenships and use them to gain entry into the United States. However, he reiterated that Antigua and Barbuda has implemented strict vetting protocols to prevent such occurrences.
“We have had a long practice in our government from since 10 years ago when we first took over the governance of the country that whenever there’s any U.S. sanction, those individuals are not eligible for our citizenship,” Browne explained.
The Prime Minister reassured citizens that his government remains engaged with international partners to address any security concerns while preserving the country’s economic interests. He also cautioned against alarmist reactions, stating that any potential policy shifts by the U.S. should be viewed within a broader diplomatic and geopolitical context.
“I can’t tell the United States what to do, but any reasonable person will recognize that Antigua and Barbuda is not a threat to the United States,” Browne said. “We have been very cooperative, and we continue to work to ensure that our CIP program does not pose any risks.”
Browne also reaffirmed his administration’s stance on sovereignty, making it clear that while Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to good diplomatic relations, it will not allow its governance policies to be dictated by external pressures.
“Our interests are mutual. We recognize the importance of a prosperous United States, and we want to have a good relationship. But at the same time, we will stand on principle and defend our sovereignty,” he stated.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of CIP programs across the Caribbean, with some nations facing increased pressure to tighten regulations. According to Browne, the government of Antigua and Barbuda maintains that its program operates within the highest standards of transparency and due diligence to protect both national and international security.
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I was reading about this in the New York Times and Antigua and Barbuda along with St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Lucia, Dominica are on what is called a Yellow List. We have been given 60 days to clear up potential deficiencies or be moved to the RED or ORANGE list with is even harsher. The issue the US claim with us includes our failure to share with the US information.about incoming travelers, our proportedly inadequate security practices for issuing passports and the selling of citizenship to people from banned countries.
Our Citizenship by Investment Program has been an economic lifeline for Antigua and Barbuda and these other Caribbean territories and our collective economies would struggle and buckle without such initiatives. Clearly the US doesn’t care about that.
There was much hype and expectation about the possibility of Antigua and Barbuda getting US Embassy that will serve the OECS countries. That must now be in serious doubt with all this “yellow listing” and apprehension.
Does Antiguans have visa free access to the US? If not , how can any holder of an Antiguan passport enter the US even if that person was issued a passport under the CIP. That person would have to apply to the US to get a visa and before visa is granted proper vetting by America will have taken place….but let’s talk about Choksi, residing in Antigua and wanted by the Indian government for alleged fraud…..