Trump administration points journey ban on Antigua and Barbuda over ‘golden’ visas

“Golden” visas have been well-liked amongst America’s wealthiest over the previous 12 months or so.

While Americans are more and more searching for second citizenship residencies as an “insurance” towards international uncertainty, U.S. officers are taking actions towards international locations with such packages amid safety dangers.

U.S. officers say citizenship-by-investment packages can enable people from restricted international locations to acquire new passports and bypass U.S. journey, monetary or banking restrictions.

TOP 5 ‘GOLDEN’ VISA DESTINATIONS THAT ELITISTS EYED FOR RESIDENCY IN 2025

In a proclamation posted on Dec. 16, President Donald Trump reinstated an govt order, in addition to a proclamation associated to proscribing and limiting the entry of international nationals to guard U.S. safety. 

A slew of journey bans had been named, particularly noting that Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda have citizenship by funding (CPI) packages with relaxed residency and screening necessities.

Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda are listed in a brand new journey ban citing citizenship by funding issues. (iStock)

“A foreign national from a country that is subject to travel restrictions could purchase CBI from a second country that is not subject to travel restrictions, obtain a passport in the citizenship of that second country, and subsequently apply for a United States visa for travel to the United States, thus evading the travel restrictions on his or her first country,” the proclamation says.

“United States law enforcement and the Department of State have found that, historically, CBI programs have been susceptible to several risks,” it added. “These risks include allowing an individual to conceal his or her identity and assets to circumvent travel restrictions or financial or banking restrictions.”

Those searching for “golden passports” solely must have 5 days of their bodily presence inside the first 5 years after citizenship is granted. 

The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is an Antigua and Barbuda authorities physique established to manage all functions.

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Those searching for “golden passports” solely must have 5 days of their bodily presence inside the first 5 years after citizenship is granted, in response to CIU.

“Golden passport” holders are granted visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to greater than 140 international locations — together with the Schengen Area — to permit candidates to retain their unique nationality by gaining twin citizenship, in response to CIU.

“United States law enforcement and the Department of State have found that, historically, CBI programs have been susceptible to several risks,” in response to a brand new proclamation.  (iStock)

Antigua and Barbuda additionally gives tax benefits, with no private revenue tax, capital positive factors tax or inheritance tax — and citizenship is granted for all times.

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The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) discovered that 7,700 people, together with battle crime figures associated to Russian and Iran, obtained Dominican citizenship, in response to OCCRP’s 2023 investigation.

“Responsibility sits with every stakeholder, including service providers, who conduct their own thorough due diligence before onboarding clients.”

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit reiterated in an announcement posted on Facebook that his nation enacted complete CBI legislative reforms again in October associated to background checks and monetary transparency.

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“Dominica values its strong and long-standing relationship with the United States, including close cooperation in maritime security and regional stability,” Skerrit wrote. 

“The government reiterates that a threat to the United States is also a threat to Dominica and the wider Caribbean, and remains fully committed to cooperation, transparency and shared security objectives.”

Those searching for “golden passports” in Antigua and Barbuda solely must log 5 days of being bodily current inside the first 5 years after citizenship is granted. (iStock)

Mo Bennis, an affiliate vice chairman at Arton Capital, a worldwide monetary advisory and consultancy agency, advised Fox News Digital he’s stunned to see Antiqua listed.

“The country has continuously increased its due diligence and applicant vetting to a very rigorous level, using the same types of international security firms applied across the industry,” he mentioned. 

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“Today, responsibility also sits with every stakeholder, including service providers, who conduct their own thorough due diligence before onboarding clients,” Bennis added.

“This appears to be more a reflection of evolving border control policies than a failure of Antigua’s standards, particularly as similar golden visa and residency programs exist in both the U.S. and Europe,” he added.