PM: Visa Restrictions Better Than Accepting Criminals, Browne Says

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda would rather face additional visa restrictions from the United States than accept third-country nationals with criminal backgrounds, arguing that doing so would pose a far greater threat to the country’s safety and development.

Speaking in Parliament during debate on a resolution outlining the government’s negotiating principles for any agreement with the United States on the possible transfer of third-country nationals, Browne said protecting Antigua and Barbuda from criminal elements remains a non-negotiable condition.

“If we were faced with an option of not taking criminals and to have visa restrictions, we’ll go for the visa restrictions because accepting criminals will destroy our country,” Browne told lawmakers.

He quickly clarified, however, that the negotiations currently underway do not require Antigua and Barbuda to accept criminals.

“The negotiations at this point do not indicate that Antigua and Barbuda is obliged to take any criminal elements,” Browne said, adding that all formal exchanges with the United States have excluded such a requirement.

Browne said the disagreement arose because draft language submitted by the United States did not explicitly state that convicted criminals would be excluded from any transfer arrangement.

According to the prime minister, U.S. officials explained that they could not simply state that no criminals would be transferred because individuals who commit immigration or visa violations are also considered offenders under U.S. law.

He said Antigua and Barbuda responded by proposing revised language that would prohibit the transfer of criminals while making an exception for individuals whose only offence involved immigration or visa violations.

“We can then amend the language to state that we will not accept criminals, with the exception of individuals who may have been involved in visa violations,” Browne said.

The prime minister noted that Antigua and Barbuda has historically taken a practical approach to immigration offences by periodically granting amnesties to undocumented migrants, many of whom are CARICOM nationals, allowing them to regularize their status instead of remaining in the country unlawfully.

He said the government would be prepared to consider accepting individuals whose only offence was a visa violation, particularly if they possess skills needed in Antigua and Barbuda, including nurses, specialist doctors and skilled construction workers.

“What we don’t want are criminal elements,” Browne said. “We don’t want any liabilities either.”

Browne added that the government also intends to reject individuals who are likely to become a financial burden on the country, arguing that Antigua and Barbuda lacks the resources to absorb people who cannot support themselves.

He said any agreement with the United States must ensure that only individuals capable of contributing to national development are considered for transfer.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM: Antigua and Barbuda would rather face US visa restrictions than agree to receive criminals who could threaten public safety.