Dominica PM raises US visa restrictions in talks with Washington
Key Points(5)
- Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has raised the United States’ visa restrictions on the Caribbean island during bilateral talks with US State Department officials, saying Washington has committed to discussing the matter with senior officials.
- Skerrit made the disclosure following his visit to the United States last week for the United States-Caribbean Dialogue, where he met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
- He added that the next step rests with Washington to determine how it will respond to the restrictions.
- Skerrit maintained that his government believes there is no justification for the measures imposed on Dominica.
- The US introduced partial visa restrictions on Dominica effective Jan.
Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has raised the United States’ visa restrictions on the Caribbean island during bilateral talks with US State Department officials, saying Washington has committed to discussing the matter with senior officials.
Skerrit made the disclosure following his visit to the United States last week for the United States-Caribbean Dialogue, where he met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
He said the visa restrictions were a priority during his bilateral meeting with the State Department and that he had raised the issue “very respectfully but firmly.”
“I made a suggestion to the State Department on the visa restrictions and, of course, they have given me a commitment that will be discussed with the principals,” Skerrit said.
He added that the next step rests with Washington to determine how it will respond to the restrictions.
Skerrit maintained that his government believes there is no justification for the measures imposed on Dominica.
The US introduced partial visa restrictions on Dominica effective Jan. 1, citing security and vetting concerns related to the island’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program.
Under the program, Dominica grants citizenship to foreign nationals in exchange for substantial investments in the country’s socioeconomic development.
The restrictions suspend most immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M and J visas for students and exchange visitors. They also reduce visa validity periods.
Dominican nationals may also face mandatory, refundable visa bonds ranging from US$10,000 to US$20,000 under broader US policies targeting jurisdictions identified as having high visa-overstay rates or links to citizenship-by-investment programs.
Skerrit said he was awaiting Washington’s response but described the recent engagement as important for relations between the two countries.
“The United States continues to be an important ally, a developing partner here in the Caribbean and, of course, we have a longstanding relationship at all levels, whether cultural, family, students going to universities, etc. with the United States,” he said.
He added that Dominica would welcome opportunities to strengthen ties between the Caribbean and the United States.
