The United States’ decision last week to require citizens of Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda to potentially post immigration bonds of up to US$15,000 to travel has drawn strong reactions from residents of both countries.
Several individuals who spoke with St. Lucia Times said the move did not come as a surprise, arguing that “the writing was on the wall,” particularly given earlier international developments. Many pointed to the United Kingdom’s 2023 decision to rescind visa-free access for Dominican travellers as an early warning sign that increased scrutiny of the country’s citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programme was inevitable.
“Look at the results of everything, the result of greed,” said a mother of two from Roseau. “Since the UK implemented a visa restriction, I believe that was a wake-up call, where the Dominican government should have opened its eyes. They have gained enough from that CBI programme, and the country has been dragged down a lot.”
Others focused on the practical impact of the bond requirement, saying the cost alone has effectively placed travel to the United States out of reach for many Dominicans. One business owner highlighted the wider implications for families and the diaspora.
“This puts Dominican nationals at a disadvantage,” she said. “Most Dominicans have personal links to the US, whether paternal, maternal or extended family, which would make it easier for them to integrate once they migrate. The amount being asked for the visa is not realistic for the average Dominican.”
Frustration was also voiced by a Dominican national living in Antigua, who described the United States as a “big bully” while still directing sharp criticism at the CBI programme and how it is currently being managed.
“It’s safe to say the CBI programme they were eating off is going to run their belly now, especially if the EU decides to revoke Schengen visa-free access,” the individual said. “Who wants to invest to get citizenship for a useless passport?”
They called on the Dominican government to urgently strengthen safeguards around the programme.
