Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda have been newly added to the list of countries facing U.S. entry restrictions under a proclamation signed Tuesday by President Donald Trump. Photo: DNO

The proclamation, issued December 16, cites national security and public safety concerns, stating it is U.S. policy “to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks and other national security and public safety threats.” It argues that weaknesses in foreign identity-management systems can limit the U.S. government’s ability to properly vet travelers seeking entry.

For the Caribbean, the proclamation affects four countries: Haiti, Cuba, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica. Haiti remains under a full suspension of entry, applying to both immigrant and nonimmigrant travel, while Cuba continues to face partial restrictions that also cover both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica are newly subjected to partial restrictions, with nationals from both countries barred from entering the United States as immigrants and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, and J visas. In addition, the proclamation directs U.S. consular officers to reduce the validity of other nonimmigrant visas issued to nationals of the two countries “to the extent permitted by law.”

The White House pointed to citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs in Antigua and Dominica as a key factor in the decision. These programs allow individuals to purchase citizenship without residency requirements, raising concerns that people from restricted countries could obtain new passports and apply for U.S. visas under a different nationality.

According to the proclamation, U.S. law enforcement and the Department of State have found that CBI programs have historically been vulnerable to risks, including concealment of identity and assets, and circumvention of travel, financial, or banking restrictions.

Other Caribbean nations with similar programs, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia, were not mentioned in the order.

The proclamation includes several exceptions. It does not apply to lawful permanent residents, dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-designated country, certain diplomatic and official visa categories, or individuals traveling for major international sporting events. Refugees already admitted to the United States and those granted asylum are also exempt, and the order specifies that it does not limit the ability to seek humanitarian protections under U.S. law.

The restrictions take effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on Jan. 1, 2026. The proclamation directs the U.S. government to review the measures every 180 days, with recommendations on whether they should be continued, modified, or lifted, while engaging affected countries on improving screening, vetting, and information-sharing practices.