Antigua and Barbuda proposes limits on possible US transfer arrangement
Key Points(5)
- Antigua and Barbuda has proposed limiting a possible transfer arrangement with the United States to nationals of selected Caribbean countries, Brazil and Colombia, according to draft operating procedures made public Saturday.
- Under the draft, the United States would be able to propose nationals of Caribbean Community countries, except Haiti, as well as nationals of Brazil and Colombia.
- Nationals of other countries could be proposed only with the prior written agreement of the Antigua and Barbuda government.
- Prime Minister Gaston Browne said on local radio that his administration had revised terms submitted by Washington and was awaiting a response from the United States.
- He stressed that the nationality restrictions form part of Antigua and Barbuda’s counterproposal and have not been accepted by Washington.
Antigua and Barbuda has proposed limiting a possible transfer arrangement with the United States to nationals of selected Caribbean countries, Brazil and Colombia, according to draft operating procedures made public Saturday.
Under the draft, the United States would be able to propose nationals of Caribbean Community countries, except Haiti, as well as nationals of Brazil and Colombia.
Nationals of other countries could be proposed only with the prior written agreement of the Antigua and Barbuda government.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne said on local radio that his administration had revised terms submitted by Washington and was awaiting a response from the United States.
He stressed that the nationality restrictions form part of Antigua and Barbuda’s counterproposal and have not been accepted by Washington.
The draft would exclude Antigua and Barbuda citizens and nationals, people under 18 and individuals with a known criminal history, except for violations of U.S. immigration law.
Meeting the proposed nationality requirements would not automatically make an individual eligible for transfer.
Each person would have to hold a valid passport and demonstrate a realistic and lawful means of returning to their country of nationality or travelling onward to another destination.
Antigua and Barbuda would also retain the right to approve or reject each individual in writing before any transfer takes place.
The proposed procedures would limit transfers to seven people during any three-month period, while stating that the government would not be required to accept a minimum number.
Browne did not explain why Brazil and Colombia were included in the proposal or why Haitian nationals were excluded.
No transfers have been announced under the revised proposal.
