Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica have signed third-country arrangements with the United States to accept certain refugees who cannot be returned to their home countries, with both governments stressing that all arrivals will undergo strict intelligence vetting.
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In Antigua, Prime Minister Gaston Browne confirmed the agreement, noting that the United States will provide full intelligence support. Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, he said, “If they have refugees who may be involved in minor matters but have skills that can help us, we gladly take them. However, we made it abundantly clear… we are not taking the criminal refugees from the third country.”
PM Browne added, “We signed an agreement which gives us (the government) the authority, not that we accept whomever, and that the United States will provide intelligence.” He further stated that the government formally communicated its position to the U.S. State Department, writing back approximately 90 days ago, and stressed that he is reporting the development publicly, saying, “This is not supposed to remain as a secret.”
The Antiguian leader emphasized that the approach reflects cooperation without compromising sovereignty or national security. “We continue to operate a government that is based on sound governance,” he said. His comments come amid ongoing regional discussions on U.S. immigration policy and the use of third-nation partners to manage deportees and refugees.
In Dominica, Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed a similar agreement, noting that the nation has engaged in ongoing dialogue with the U.S. on matters of mutual interest. Speaking at a press conference, PM Skerrit said, “I believe this engagement will further deepen our long-standing relationship and clearly signal that Dominica remains a willing and reliable partner of the United States in our region.”
He highlighted the importance of safeguarding citizens’ access to lawful travel, education, employment, and family connections, while strengthening cooperation between governments. He also called for national unity and measured discourse as the country begins the new year. “Let us begin this new year by lowering the temperature of our national discourse, choosing calm over conflict, and remembering that we are strongest when we stand together,” PM Skerrit said.
Both announcements come in the wake of a U.S. proclamation issued on Dec. 16, 2025, which expanded restrictions on the entry of certain foreign nationals, including Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. The order suspends the issuance of most immigrant visas and B‑1, B‑2, B‑1/B‑2, F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas for nationals of the two countries if they do not already hold a valid visa as of Jan. 1, 2026. Existing visas remain valid, while consular officers have been directed to reduce the validity of other nonimmigrant visas to the extent permitted by law.
The proclamation cited concerns related to citizenship-by-investment programs, which may allow individuals to obtain new passports and bypass restrictions linked to their original nationality. Governments in both countries have engaged diplomatically with U.S. authorities seeking clarification and potential modification of the restrictions.
A formal review is expected roughly 90 days after Jan. 1, 2026, which could result in changes depending on discussions with the U.S. Government.