No official communication has been received from the United States Department of State regarding reports of a possible suspension of visa processing for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, according to Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to the United States, said that while international media outlets have reported that Washington is contemplating a pause in visa processing for applicants from about 75 countries — including several Caribbean nations — there has been no formal announcement or notification to affected embassies.
Sanders said he made immediate inquiries with the United States Department of State after becoming aware of the reports, which named Antigua and Barbuda among countries allegedly under consideration.
“As of this moment, no formal announcement has been made, and no official communication has been issued to the embassies of the countries reportedly affected,” he said.
According to Sanders, senior State Department officials indicated that the issue stems from a new requirement directed by the White House, but he cautioned that some media reports have overstated the scope of the measure.
He explained that the proposal under consideration would not apply to all visa categories and is limited to immigrant visas — commonly known as green cards — which could face a temporary pause of up to 60 days while screening and vetting procedures are reviewed.
Sanders stressed that no written directive has been shared with embassies and that his information is based solely on direct discussions with senior U.S. officials rather than any formal policy notice.
He also underscored that decisions on U.S. immigration applications rest entirely with the American authorities and individual applicants, noting that countries of nationality have no legal or administrative role in the approval or denial of immigrant visas.
Meanwhile, Sanders said the Government of Antigua and Barbuda continues to engage U.S. officials in efforts to have the country removed from lists subject to partial visa restrictions, including requirements for certain applicants to post a bond. He said those representations remain active and ongoing.