US Travel Restrictions: A Developing Story

Introduction to the Issue

On Friday (March 14) the New York Times reported that “the Trump administration is considering targeting the citizens of as many as 43 countries as part of a new ban on travel to the United States that would be broader than the restrictions imposed during President Trump’s first term, according to officials familiar with the matter”.

The article further stated that “A draft list of recommendations developed by diplomatic and security officials suggests a “red” list of 11 countries whose citizens would be flatly barred from entering the United States…. the draft proposal also included an “orange” list of 10 countries for which travel would be restricted but not cut off.

In those cases, affluent business travelers might be allowed to enter, but not people traveling on immigrant or tourist visas. Citizens on that list would also be subjected to mandatory in-person interviews in order to receive a visa. …and a “yellow” list of 22 countries that would be given 60 days to clear up perceived deficiencies, with the threat of being moved onto one of the other lists if they did not comply.

Caribbean Nations Affected

Such issues, the report indicated, could include “failing to share with the United States information about incoming travelers, purportedly inadequate security practices for issuing passports, or the selling of citizenship to people from banned countries, which could serve as a loophole around the restrictions.”

The Caribbean nations of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Lucia, were among those purported to be on the “yellow” list.

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Response

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew subsequently informed the nation on Saturday, March 15, that St. Kitts and Nevis, through its Embassy in Washington, D.C., had engaged with U.S. officials on the issue, and “at this time, there has been no communication from the U.S. Government alerting us to any concerns warranting the Federation’s inclusion on such a list.”

He reminded us that since August 2022, the Federation has actively maintained open and transparent communication with the U.S. Government, particularly surrounding significant reforms within its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, and that St. Kitts and Nevis’ has steadfastly remained committed to international cooperation and compliance with global standards in the CBI industry.

US State Department’s Response

Then on Monday last, March 17, during a U.S. State Department Press Briefing, its Spokesperson Tammy Bruce was asked whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio believes that if Afghanistan is among the countries that are on a draft list, to be banned, that legitimate SIVs (Special Immigrant Visas) who were approved by the State Department during the fall of Afghanistan and the withdrawal should be a carve-out ,and that these people who helped the State Department, the CIA, the DOD can come and have refugee status.

Ms. Bruce’s response was of particular importance to countries named on the so-called draft list. She stated: “Well, first of all, there is no list. What people are looking at over these last several days is not a list that exists here that is being acted on. There is a review, as we know, through the President’s executive order, for us to look at the nature of what’s going to help keep America safer in dealing with the issue of visas and who’s allowed into the country. But what has been touted as something that is an item through the State Department just simply isn’t the case.

So, the premise, I have to say, I certainly can’t speak to because it’s not accurate…So, that’s not something that is – certainly I can talk about regarding something that doesn’t exist, but certainly when that review is done, we’ll have something that we can discuss.”

Conclusion

We at The Observer are keeping a close eye on this issue. Although we are inclined to accept the State Department’s explanation of there not being a list. The mention of a “review” suggests that something is on the cards.

We also are well aware that the New York Times is a respected and trustworthy organisation which subscribes to the highest levels of journalistic integrity, and that its claim of “a draft circulating inside the administration lists three tiers of countries whose citizens may face restrictions on entering the United States”, was not just plucked out of thin air.

In fact, the report should serve as a warning to everyone that in the not-too-distant future, there will be some sort of significant announcement of travel restrictions, etc., that will not be too dissimilar. Thus, all countries must remain vigilant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current status of the US travel restrictions?

A: According to the US State Department, there is no list of countries facing travel restrictions, but a review is underway to determine the best course of action.

Q: Which countries are potentially affected by the travel restrictions?

A: The New York Times reported that 43 countries may be affected, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia.

Q: What is the criteria for the travel restrictions?

A: The criteria include failing to share information about incoming travelers, inadequate security practices for issuing passports, and selling citizenship to people from banned countries.