Antigua & Barbuda Stands Firm in Defense of Citizenship by Investment Programme Amid U.S. Visa Scrutiny

The government of Antigua & Barbuda has strongly defended its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme following reports that the Donald Trump administration is considering visa bans or restrictions on nationals from 36 countries – including four Caribbean nations.

A leaked memo from the U.S. State Department, obtained by The Washington Post and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, lists Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Lucia as countries under review. The document reportedly gives governments 60 days to meet new benchmarks, with an initial action plan due by 8:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

Caribbean CBI nations have consistently described their programmes as legitimate tools for economic development, backed by strict due diligence processes. Under these initiatives, foreign investors can obtain citizenship by making significant contributions to the host country’s economy or development funds.

Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene reaffirmed Antigua & Barbuda’s stance during a speech at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus. “They want to impose travel restrictions on us – for what reason, God only knows.

We will not be bullied,” he said. “Our foreign policy is one of principle, and we will fight like hell to defend this programme.”

Greene emphasized the integrity of the CBI unit, led by CEO Charmaine Donovan, calling her and her team “people of impeccable character.” He also highlighted the programme’s benefits to national development.

To date, neither Antigua & Barbuda nor St. Lucia has received formal notification from the U.S. regarding potential changes to visa requirements. St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre confirmed on Facebook that his government has engaged with U.S. diplomatic representatives in Barbados and Washington, D.C., and pledged to update the public once official information is received.

No statements have yet been issued by the governments of St. Kitts & Nevis or Dominica.

The U.S. memo cites concerns over citizenship sales without residency requirements, as well as alleged “anti-American activity” by some nationals. However, it also notes that cooperation on immigration matters – such as accepting deported third-country nationals or entering into “safe third country” agreements – could help ease tensions.

In addition to the Caribbean nations, the list includes 25 African countries, along with several from Central Asia and the Pacific.