St. John's 31°C Drizzle

Antigua News
Live
Antigua and Barbuda

VIDEO: “That Will Never Happen” | PM Browne Dismisses US Visa Restriction Fears Amid Citizenship Program Concerns

By

Published
PM Gaston Browne (picture by Office of the Prime Minister)

“You are in safe hands. You need not worry”. That’s the word from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, as he reassured citizens regarding the recent concerns over potential visa restrictions from the United States.

This response follows the leak of a confidential memo from the U.S. State Department, as reported by The Washington Post, indicating the possibility of travel bans for individuals from 36 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, due to Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP).

whatsapp-group-names-for-family-friends (1)

The leaked memo outlines that these restrictions could come into effect if participating countries fail to meet newly established immigration benchmarks within the next 60 days. Such measures have raised alarms among nations that rely heavily on CIPs as a significant economic driver.

In his comments to state media, Browne expressed confidence in Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic capabilities, asserting that the country’s robust international ties and negotiation skills will prevent the U.S. from enacting any punitive measures against the twin-island nation.

Browne’s reassurances come at a critical time when CIPs are scrutinized for their implications on immigration and security.

Critics argue that these programs may facilitate pathways for individuals who might not otherwise gain access to the U.S. or other developed nations.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/06/20/video-that-will-never-happen-pm-browne-dismisses-us-visa-restriction-fears-amid-citizenship-program-concerns. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Step 1

Add Antigua.news to your Home Screen

✕ antigua.news ⋯ Open in Safari Copy link Share…

First, open this page in Safari

You are reading inside another app (Instagram, Facebook…). Tap ⋯ at the top right and choose Open in Safari (or Open in browser).

No such option? Copy the link, open Safari and paste it in the address bar.

⚙️ Settings General › Software Update

Update your iPhone first

Alerts need iOS 16.4 or newer. Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the update. You can still add the icon now: tap Next.

‹ antigua.news ⋯

Tap the ⋯ button

It is at the bottom right of Safari, next to the address bar. Don't see the bar? Scroll up a little.

Share Add Bookmark New Tab Find on Page

Tap Share

It is the first option of the menu, with a square-and-arrow icon.

antigua.news ‹ › ▢ ⧉

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow pointing up, in the middle of the bar at the bottom (on iPad: at the top right).

antigua.news

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow, at the right of the address bar at the top. (Firefox: tap ☰ at the bottom, then Share.)

Copy Add to Reading List Add to Home Screen

Tap Add to Home Screen

Scroll down the list to find it (icon: a square with a +). Not there? Tap Edit Actions or View More at the bottom.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news Open as Web App

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

The switch must be green — without it, alerts can't work. Then tap Add at the top right.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news An icon will be added to your Home Screen so you can quickly access this website.

Tap Add

At the top right. If you see an Open as Web App switch, leave it on (green).

Antigua.news

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Go to your Home Screen: the Antigua.news icon is there now (swipe left if you don't see it). Alerts only work when you open us from this icon.

“Antigua.news” Would Like to Send You Notifications Notifications may include alerts, sounds and icon badges. Don’t Allow Allow

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

In the app you will see a red box asking to turn on alerts: choose your sections, tap the button, then tap Allow. That's it — breaking news will reach you even with the phone locked.
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 (10)

  • Amethisyah June 20, 2025, 4:25 PM

    Since when did Brown say anything believable? Big rhetoric from a little man. I have never agreed with the idea of CIP. I don’t believe a man should be able to buy a citizenship period!!
    Reply

    • Stone June 20, 2025, 7:45 PM

      others might have the diplomatic skills brown but you surely don’t
      Reply

  • Informed citizen June 20, 2025, 4:46 PM

    While it’s important for a leader to project confidence, ‘That will never happen’ is a very strong statement when you’re talking about potential US sanctions. This issue with the CIP and visa restrictions is deeply concerning, and it will take more than just words to fully resolve it. We need concrete action and continued dialogue to safeguard our citizens’ travel rights.
    Reply

  • Antigua Surf June 20, 2025, 4:51 PM

    Laughs! A government that talk and only talk rubbish. Say whatever PM Browne, let your words be led by actions cause actions speaks louder
    Reply

  • Rhea June 20, 2025, 4:52 PM

    Yeah that’s what he said but…… should we believe? Time enough we stop listening to Gaston and his crap
    Reply

  • Cherry June 20, 2025, 6:22 PM

    You cannot trust the US. The US dont give a rats ass about anyone Gaston Browne. You should know this. the US does what the US wants and to come here and say that can never happen is a clear signal for Trump to make it happen. Trump wants to have the last say in everything. “That will never happen”. Wrong choice of words PM but let us wait and see what will truly happen.
    Reply

  • Stone June 20, 2025, 10:14 PM

    by the way what ever happened to that woman that was found in south America thirty something years after she was lost…she lost again? we were suppose to hear her wonderful story ..I think it was in Venezuela …what’s up A.N.???
    Reply

  • Juju Bee June 21, 2025, 8:16 AM

    Well if the man say so then is so. I guess he knows what he telling about
    Reply

  • Frankly Speaking June 21, 2025, 11:36 AM

    We need to be all.praying that this does not come to pass. Have we realized that the CIP is the backbone of our society. If we lose this that our economy is in trouble. We need to be praying instead of provoking the US with pompous statements
    Reply

  • Pardon June 21, 2025, 4:38 PM

    Mr PM. Go on your knees and bet trump.parden because it’s happening
    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section

By clicking "Accept", you consent to our website's use of cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.

Cookie Settings

Privacy Summary

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best possible user experience. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our site or helping our team understand which parts of the site you find most interesting and useful.

More information in Privacy Policy