On the matter of U.S. Visa Bonds & Travel to the United States, Prime Minister Browne pointed out the following to members of the Cabinet:
### 1) Public Concern
* The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is aware of the public concern following reports that, in limited circumstances, some nationals may be required to post a visa bond when applying for a U.S. visitor visa.
* Government understands the anxiety this has caused and is addressing it directly through diplomatic engagement.
### 2) What the visa bond does—and does not do
* No bond applies to holders of existing U.S. visas.
* Those visas remain valid under their current terms.
* The visa bond applies only to a very narrow category of new visa applicants under a U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Programme.
* It does not apply to all travellers.
* The bond does not guarantee the issuance of a visa and it does not automatically deny a visa either.
### 3) What created the issue?
* Antigua and Barbuda, like other countries listed, was not advised in advance of the U.S. public announcement.
* The announcement was made without prior notice even to U.S. embassies accredited to affected countries.
* This lack of notice contributed to uncertainty, which the Government is now working to resolve through direct engagement.
### 4) U.S. rationale (as indicated by U.S. authorities)
* U.S. authorities have indicated that the purpose of the bond is to encourage compliance with U.S. immigration laws—particularly timely departure from the United States.
### 5) Behaviour of a few citizens
* Government must be candid: there have been instances of overstays and charges on the U.S. public purse, including unpaid hospital bills, by a small number of nationals.
* Those actions create difficulties not only for the individuals involved, but for all Antiguans and Barbudans who travel legitimately.
### 6) Government’s action and high-level engagement
* On the instructions of the Prime Minister, Antigua and Barbuda has re-engaged directly with the U.S. State Department at the highest levels.
* A formal diplomatic note has been submitted.
* The Government is working strenuously to achieve a correction of this measure.
### 7) Antigua and Barbuda’s strong record
* Antigua and Barbuda’s visitor overstay rate is consistently low, and significantly below that of many countries not subject to bond requirements.
* Antigua and Barbuda has also demonstrated long-standing cooperation with the United States on immigration compliance and security matters.
### 8) Government’s objective
* Government’s objective is clear and fair:
* Antiguan and Barbudan passport holders must be treated no less favourably than nationals of other CARICOM countries.
* Visa processing for citizens must remain fair and reasonable.
### 9) Ongoing Negotiations:
* Discussions are ongoing on removing restrictions affecting visas for legitimate Antiguan and Barbudan travellers.
* These negotiations are serious, measured, and persistent.
* While international outcomes are never guaranteed, the Government is confident there is room for reason to prevail.
### 10) Guidance to citizens
* Government urges all citizens travelling abroad to:
* Respect immigration laws fully, including timely departure, and
* Meet all personal obligations.
* The conduct of a few can affect the many.
