The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has rejected as “false and misleading” claims by Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle that recent United States visa restrictions are the result of government actions or could be reversed by local political intervention.
In a statement issued Saturday, the government said decisions regarding U.S. visas are made solely by United States Department of State and are based on American national interests, not policies implemented by Antigua and Barbuda.
The statement referenced comments from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who recently announced an expansion of visa restrictions targeting individuals believed to be working on behalf of U.S. adversaries in ways that could undermine regional security and democratic governance.
Rubio also emphasized that obtaining a U.S. visa is “a privilege,” not a right, and that such decisions rest entirely with the United States government.
Officials in St. John’s stressed that Antigua and Barbuda is not the only country affected, noting that similar visa denials occur across the Caribbean and the wider Western Hemisphere under existing U.S. immigration policies.
The government also defended its diplomatic approach, stating that it has been actively engaging U.S. officials on the issue. According to the statement, Prime Minister Gaston Browne recently discussed visa-related concerns directly with U.S. lawyer and diplomat Christopher Landau as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Officials said such engagement reflects responsible governance and contrasted that approach with what they described as political rhetoric from the opposition.
The statement argued that Pringle’s comments either reflect a misunderstanding of international relations or an attempt to mislead the public for political gain, adding that visa policy decisions are made in Washington, not St. John’s.
Government officials concluded that while diplomacy can help improve arrangements, no local political leader has the authority to alter U.S. visa policies unilaterally.
