Saint Lucia, Dominica, and Others Await U.S. Response on Citizenship Program Concerns

The four Caribbean countries who appeared on a draft list for potential travel restrictions are asking the United States for more clarity on the matter. 

The list, which was first obtained by the New York Times, names Saint Lucia, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda and St. Kitts & Nevis among the countries which reportedly have 60 days to address concerns by U.S. authorities about undisclosed deficiencies related to their investment for citizenship programs.

“The Government of Saint Lucia is confirming that it has received no formal communication from the United States of America on media reports by the New York Times and others alleging that Saint Lucia is included in a draft list of visa restrictions recommendations,” said Philip Pierre, Saint Lucia's Prime Minister, in a statement posted to social media. Roosevelt Skerritt, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, noted the same in his social media post, as did press statements from the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Antigua and Barbuda embassy in Washington, D.C. 

The countries, which in their various statements describe the United States as “a friend” and “an invaluable development partner,” note that their Citizenship by Investment programs are being robustly vetted. 

Meanwhile, they await more details on the U.S. stance via official channels.