Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s declaration that Antigua and Barbuda would rather accept tougher U.S. visa restrictions than receive criminals as part of any third-country transfer arrangement drew widespread support from commenters on social media.

Many users applauded Browne’s insistence that the country should not accept individuals who could threaten public safety, with several arguing that protecting national security should take precedence over preserving visa access to the United States.

“I agree with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda,” one commenter wrote, adding that Caribbean nations have the right to determine their own immigration policies and should not shoulder a disproportionate burden.

Others praised the government for what they described as standing up for the country’s interests, with comments including “Stand your ground Mr. Prime Minister,” “Good job Antigua,” and “I would rather face visa restrictions than have my little Caribbean be destabilized.”

Some commenters also said other Caribbean governments should adopt a similar position, while others argued that deportees should instead be returned to their countries of origin.

Not all reactions were supportive. Several commenters questioned whether the government’s position reflected the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding already signed with the United States, while others expressed concern that negotiations could ultimately produce a different outcome than what was stated in Parliament.

Browne told Parliament on Tuesday that Antigua and Barbuda would choose visa restrictions over accepting criminals if faced with that choice, but stressed that current negotiations with Washington do not require the country to receive individuals with serious criminal records.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Browne Praised for Putting National Security Ahead of Visa Access.