Dominica and the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda appeared on a restricted list released on December 16 by President Donald Trump’s administration, as they have historically allowed affluent foreigners to acquire passports without residency requirements.
However, facing pressure from the US and Europe, both countries now mandate part-time residency and have been tightening regulations while increasing fees. This has led their leaders to suggest that the Trump administration may have made a mistake.
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In a statement on December 17, Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed his “deep disappointment” over the decision and noted that Washington’s reasoning “does not reflect the current reality of our laws.”
Dominica Prime Minster Roosevelt Skerrit told local outlet DBS News that his country had already enforced residency requirements for its citizenship-by-investment programme “with the support” of the US government. He remarked that this could potentially be a case of miscommunication regarding the travel ban.
CBI programmes are essential financial sources for Caribbean nations with limited natural resources. In Dominica, revenue from passport sales constitutes 58% of national income, while in Antigua, it makes up about 10% of the budget.
The US administration recently introduced the “Trump Gold Card,” which offers expedited US visas and residency for individuals willing to pay $1 million. Announced in February, this programme aligns with the president’s broader immigration policy changes.
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Browne noted that when Antigua’s ambassador reached out to the State Department regarding the new travel ban set to take effect on Jan. 1, officials expressed surprise at the announcement and stated they had not received any prior notification.
The US State Department has not yet responded to requests for comments.
Caribbean nations are also concerned that the rising US military presence in the region could impact their vital tourism sectors. As the US has dispatched an extraordinary number of warships near Venezuela, Antigua’s prime minister cautioned that any “hint of armed confrontation in our waters immediately affects hotel bookings, airlines, foreign investment, and the livelihoods of countless families.”
Golden passports provide visa-free access to the European Union, the UK, and several other countries, making them attractive to nationalities that typically require travel permits. The five Caribbean nations with CBI programmes have granted citizenship to at least 88,000 individuals, including many from China, Russia, and Nigeria, according to a 2023 EU report.
