The Minister of Foreign Affairs, E.P. Chet Greene, has issued the following statement regarding travel by Antiguans and Barbudans to the United States:
The Government of the United States has recently announced a strengthened immigration enforcement policy. It makes clear that anyone—regardless of nationality—who enters the U.S. illegally or overstays their visa now faces a heightened risk of arrest, deportation, and a ban on future travel.
Most Antiguans and Barbudans travel to the United States for legitimate purposes—holidays, business, family visits, or shopping. They apply for visas, meet the requirements, and return home without difficulty. For these travelers, nothing has changed. They will continue to be welcomed, provided they continue to respect the conditions of their visas.
However, to those who believe they can enter the U.S. on a visa and remain after it expires—including for the purpose of giving birth or living without legal status—I urge you to reconsider. The United States, like Antigua and Barbuda, has every right to uphold and enforce its immigration laws.
U.S. authorities have been clear: violations will be met with strict and consistent penalties. That is their sovereign prerogative.
Our Government cannot shield those who knowingly break U.S. law. What we can do—and what we are doing—is working to protect the reputation of our people and ensure that those who travel lawfully continue to be respected.
The United States remains a vital partner for Antigua and Barbuda. Like any partnership, that relationship must be based on mutual respect—and that includes respect for each other’s laws.
I call on all Antiguans and Barbudans to act with prudence, integrity, and respect when travelling. Let us not jeopardise the credibility that generations of hardworking citizens have built.
