Leader of Government Business in the Senate Shenella Govia defended the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill 2026 on Monday, arguing that the legislation strikes a balance between compassion and national security by offering a structured pathway for long-term undocumented residents to regularize their status while maintaining strict eligibility requirements.

Speaking during debate in the Upper House, Govia rejected suggestions that the amnesty amounted to an unrestricted pardon, telling senators the bill was designed to uphold the rule of law while addressing the realities faced by people who have lived in Antigua and Barbuda for years without legal status.

“This bill seeks to amend the Immigration and Passport Act of 2014 to provide a structured and time-bound amnesty for persons who have long resided among us but remain outside the legal framework,” Govia said.

She explained that under the legislation, people who have lived in Antigua and Barbuda as undocumented immigrants for at least four years, or who narrowly missed qualifying for citizenship because of a lapse in residency, may apply to regularize their status. Applicants must submit police certificates from every country in which they have lived, pay a prescribed EC$650 fee and undergo scrutiny by the Immigration Department before being considered.

Govia said those requirements demonstrate that the government is extending an opportunity while preserving accountability.

“This ensures that while we extend mercy as a country, we also uphold the rule of law and accountability,” she said.

She also emphasized that the programme contains safeguards intended to protect national security.

Under the bill, individuals who pose a threat to national security, provide false information, are subject to deportation orders or are wanted under international warrants are not eligible for amnesty.

“Amnesty is not a loophole,” Govia said. “It is a carefully guarded doorway to lawful belonging.”

Govia said the legislation also introduces a standardized application form to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability throughout the application process.

“Every applicant is treated fairly. Every application is documented and every decision is accountable,” she told the Senate.

She argued that the bill extends beyond immigration administration and seeks to address the lives of people who have become part of the country’s social fabric.

“It is about regularizing lives,” Govia said. “It’s about ensuring that families who have contributed significantly to our economy, our culture and our communities are given a fair chance to stand on solid legal ground.”

She added that many people who initially came to Antigua and Barbuda seeking opportunity have since become integral members of society, and regularizing their status would strengthen families, stabilize the workforce and reinforce the country’s values of fairness and inclusion.

Govia stressed, however, that the amnesty should not be viewed as unconditional.

“Amnesty is not unconditional. It is a covenant between the state and the individual,” she said, adding that applicants would be expected to obey the country’s laws and accept the responsibilities that accompany legal status.

The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill 2026 was later approved by the Senate, clearing the way for the government to implement a two-month amnesty programme beginning July 1 for eligible undocumented residents seeking to regularize their immigration status.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Govia Defends Immigration Amnesty as Measure to Balance Compassion and National Security.