Antigua PM seeks US explanation over visa restrictions
Key Points(5)
- Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne is pressing the United States for an explanation as to why the Caribbean nation is considered a national security concern warranting visa restrictions.
- Speaking Saturday, Browne said his administration remains engaged in discussions with officials from the U.S.
- State Department and has written directly to President Donald Trump seeking clarification on the measures.
- The prime minister said his government is unaware of any action by Antigua and Barbuda that could reasonably be considered hostile to the United States or pose a threat to its national security.
- Browne also questioned the treatment of Caribbean countries that operate Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, under which qualifying foreign nationals can obtain citizenship in exchange for making an approved investment.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne is pressing the United States for an explanation as to why the Caribbean nation is considered a national security concern warranting visa restrictions.
Speaking Saturday, Browne said his administration remains engaged in discussions with officials from the U.S. State Department and has written directly to President Donald Trump seeking clarification on the measures.
The prime minister said his government is unaware of any action by Antigua and Barbuda that could reasonably be considered hostile to the United States or pose a threat to its national security.
Browne also questioned the treatment of Caribbean countries that operate Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, under which qualifying foreign nationals can obtain citizenship in exchange for making an approved investment.
He noted that several countries affected by U.S. measures maintain diplomatic relations with China, while some Caribbean states that recognize Taiwan have not faced similar restrictions.
Browne stressed that he was making an observation and was not suggesting that the United States should impose restrictions on other countries.
The prime minister has maintained that Antigua and Barbuda is prepared to work with Washington to address any legitimate concerns surrounding its CBI program and other issues affecting bilateral relations.
However, he said the government wants greater clarity from U.S. authorities about the rationale for the restrictions and the specific national security concerns involving Antigua and Barbuda.
Browne also acknowledged the difficulties leaders of small developing states face in securing direct engagement with a U.S. president, saying such access is limited unless Washington facilitates broader discussions with the region.
