Antigua.news has received an anonymous copy of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the United States concerning the acceptance of refugees.
The government has maintained that under the arrangement, Antigua and Barbuda would only accept individuals who have been properly vetted and who do not have criminal records. Authorities have repeatedly sought to reassure the public that the country will not become a destination for criminals or high-risk individuals.
However, the leaked document has prompted renewed scrutiny and public concern over what could happen once the agreement takes effect. Critics are now asking whether Caribbean nations — including the twin-island state — could eventually come under pressure to accept criminal deportees as part of broader negotiations with the United States, particularly in relation to the easing or reversal of U.S. visa restrictions.
So the question is do you think Antigua and Barbuda and other Caribbean countries should allow the US to twist its arm just for visa access to the US?
Document can also be found below:
MOU Concerning Acceptance of Refugees
I dont trust the US. They are sneaky like that.
Guess this verifies and finalize the transfer…. Let’s see what good this brings to the nation
How does these confidential files land in the hands of reporters? Anyway I will say we shouldn’t let the US manipulate us. If they don’t want these refugees why should we take them? Is it because we are shithole countries like Trump said?
When you have SIGNED document publish it for me to see please. As of now this means nothing to me
We should reject any such offer
Should visa access ever be tied to refugee or deportee agreements?
People are right to ask how this could affect resources and services.
The Caribbean needs a united position. Individually, we’re vulnerable, together, we have leverage. We can’t keep allowing Trump and the US believe they have the Caribbean under there nose or wrapped around their fingers. It’s time we take a stance
Anything in the bread in the crumbs believe me the criminals will be in the planes, why not send them to birth country don’t make sense, another bunch with antigua passports, let them take the restrictions off visa now before they board the plane 5 year plan 😉 when the money is gone we got nothing in the deal as citizens if he listening to the US is us.
Lmao 🤣 the wind blew the agreement in the public hands with no signatures, shut down schools, colleges, universities and push the fools a little further we really surviving without America rejects GOD WILL PROVIDE rethink this please we say thank you 😊 🙏
Any time an agreement like this comes to light, especially one involving refugees and a major power like the United States people are going to ask hard questions. I read somee of the comments and the concerns are legitimate, First of all, Antigua and Barbuda is a small nation. We don’t have unlimited space, unlimited resources, or unlimited social services, so citizens are right to want clarity and firm guarantees.
The government’s reassurance that only properly vetted individuals with no criminal records would be accepted is important, but trust is built on transparency, not just statements. People want to know who is doing the vetting, what standards are being used, and what happens if circumstances change later on. History has taught Caribbean people to be cautious, especially when agreements are tied, directly or indirectly, to things like visa access or diplomatic pressure.
There’s also a real fear that what starts as a controlled, humanitarian arrangement could slowly expand over time. Today it’s “no criminals.” Tomorrow, under pressure, could the rules shift? That’s the question many people are quietly asking, and it’s not unreasonable.
At the same time, Antigua and Barbuda has always been a compassionate country. We understand displacement, hardship, and the need for refuge. Wanting to help does not mean abandoning common sense or national interest. Both can exist at the same time.
What’s needed now is openness. The public should be able to see the full MOU, understand the safeguards, and know exactly where Antigua and Barbuda draws the line. Reassurance alone isn’t enough people want proof, clear boundaries, and accountability.
Until that happens, skepticism will remain, and frankly, that skepticism is healthy. Citizens asking questions isn’t anti-refugee or anti-government it’s about protecting the country while making sure any decision made truly serves the best interests of Antigua and Barbuda.
Take a touch stand. Never do that.
I hope antigua and barbuda dont fall for the US games
Our government should never bow to the devil