Sir Ron Sanders Says U.S. Reviewing Green Card Applications, Not Imposing Blanket Visa Ban

Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, says there has been no formal notification from the U.S. Department of State regarding media reports that Washington is considering suspending visa processing for applicants from approximately 75 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda.

Sanders said he made immediate inquiries with senior officials at the U.S. Department of State after becoming aware of reports carried by international media outlets, including Fox News and CVM News. As of now, he confirmed that no official announcement has been made and no communication has been issued to the embassies of the countries reportedly affected.

According to Sanders, U.S. officials indicated that the issue stems from a new requirement under direction from the White House. However, he stressed that the measure under consideration does not apply to all visa categories, contrary to some reports.

He explained that the discussions relate only to immigrant visa applications, commonly known as green cards, which may be subject to a temporary pause of up to 60 days while vetting and screening procedures are reviewed.

Sanders emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda has not received any written notification on the matter, noting that the information currently available is based solely on direct conversations with senior U.S. officials rather than any formal directive.

The ambassador also clarified that applications for immigration to the United States are matters strictly between individual applicants and the U.S. government. He noted that the applicant’s country of nationality has no legal or administrative role in the approval or denial of immigrant visas.

In the meantime, Sanders said the Government of Antigua and Barbuda continues to engage U.S. authorities in ongoing efforts to have the country removed from a list of nations subject to partial visa restrictions, including the requirement for certain applicants to post a visa bond.

He said those diplomatic representations remain active as discussions with U.S. officials continue.