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Antigua and Barbuda Among OECS Nations Facing Possible U.S. Visa Ban Over CIP

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Antigua and Barbuda Facing Sharp Rise in U.S. Visa Denials Since Trump-Era Policies | VIDEO STORY
Certain OECS, including Antigua and Barbuda, countries might face US VISA due to CIP (file photo)

Antigua and Barbuda and other OECS countries find themselves under scrutiny as concerns grow over their Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

A recently leaked memo from the U.S. government reveals that Antigua and Barbuda, along with three other countries in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)—Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia—may soon face U.S. visa restrictions.

This document, reported by The Washington Post, highlights the potential for travel limitations affecting citizens from 36 nations unless they comply with new U.S. immigration criteria within a tight 60-day window.

Dated June 14, 2025, and signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the memo expresses grave concerns regarding the implications of selling citizenship without sufficient residency requirements.

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The U.S. government flagged issues related to national security, such as insufficient civil documentation systems, notable visa overstays, and allegations of “anti-American activities” involving some passport holders from these nations.

To avoid possible travel sanctions, affected governments are to submit an action plan detailing how they intend to address these new standards by next Wednesday at 8 a.m.

Antigua and Barbuda’s CIP serves as a critical revenue source for the nation, funding essential programs like Social Security and various state initiatives.

Despite the current challenges, the government has stood firm in its support for the program, asserting its importance for economic development while simultaneously working to strengthen its vetting processes over the years.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/06/16/antigua-and-barbuda-among-oecs-nations-facing-possible-u-s-visa-ban-over-cip. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (7)

  • Serdar Y June 16, 2025, 7:48 AM

    I’m one of the participants of Antigua and Barbuda Cip program. I declared and proved sources of my wealth and showed a clean criminal record. I also had face to face online meeting with Cip program officials. I’m planning to visit Antigua for a week next autumn to fulfill my obligations. I don’t understand what’s wrong having a second citizenship to be able to travel easily. US or Europe has nothing to gain if they ban Cip passport holders from entering their countries. Immigration problems and safety concerns of mentioned states has much more to do than blocking Cip Passport holders.
    Reply

  • Hillary June 16, 2025, 8:16 AM

    What right does the US have to meddle in our business? Who interferes with Trump and all his evil policies of late? So restrict us if you wish. Does Trump the brat even realize how much caribbean nationals put into the economy of the US? What as ass of a President.
    Reply

  • Ralph Heise June 16, 2025, 8:46 AM

    The CIP program is none of their business at all … that is pur blackmailing, I am Swiss and they did the same with us when we had to give up our banksecracy … it us pure arrogance!
    Reply

  • Apex Jones June 16, 2025, 11:44 AM

    Here we go again. Then again America is not the only place on earth.
    I really don’t see how our CIP program affects them
    Reply

  • Informed citizen June 16, 2025, 12:22 PM

    Sixty days isn’t a lot of time to fix something this big, but it’s not impossible. Our leaders really need to bring their A-game to the negotiating table. Let’s hope they can convince Uncle Sam that our passports aren’t just a fancy souvenir.
    Reply

  • Interesting June 16, 2025, 4:04 PM

    So let me get this straight, the country that opened their borders allowing the good, bad and I difference to enter their country for years is worried about our CIP program? Sir, your enemies are already in your country.
    Reply

  • Sweetie June 17, 2025, 5:16 PM

    If they wanna make a point, why don’t the US ban CIP passport holders only? Why are they also banning natural born Antiguan citizens?? Theure getting punished for something that has nothing to do with them. Ridiculous!
    Reply

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