Trump Administration Considers Travel Restrictions for Saint Lucia
The Trump administration is deliberating the implementation of new travel restrictions that could affect citizens from 43 countries, including Saint Lucia. An internal memo reveals that these nations are categorized into three distinct groups based on the severity of the proposed measures.
Saint Lucia has been placed in the third group, which comprises 26 countries. Nations in this category are under consideration for a partial suspension of U.S. visa issuance if their governments do not address specific deficiencies within 60 days. The exact reasons for Saint Lucia’s inclusion have not been detailed; however, factors such as inadequate information sharing with U.S. authorities, insufficient passport security protocols, or the operation of Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP) may contribute to this classification.
Other Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Kitts and Nevis, also appear on this list. Cuba, however, is among the 10 countries facing full visa suspensions under the proposed measures.
This development recalls the Trump administration’s previous travel bans, which targeted several predominantly Muslim-majority countries and faced legal challenges before a revised version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The current proposal signifies a significant expansion of those earlier restrictions, potentially impacting a broader range of countries.
The final decision on these proposed travel restrictions rests with the White House, and the list may be subject to change. The administration argues that reinstating such bans is necessary to protect U.S. citizens from individuals who may pose security threats or exploit immigration laws for malicious purposes.