U.S. Adds 2 Caribbean Countries to Its Travel Ban

""It is the President's duty to take action to ensure that those seeking to enter our country will not harm the American people," the White House wrote in the statement. "The restrictions are country-specific in order to encourage cooperation with the subject countries in recognition of each country's unique circumstances." The White House added the order "includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories like athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.""

""In response to the new travel restrictions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Dominica said it was "actively engaging" United States government officials to "obtain formal clarification on the scope of the measures, the basis on which they were taken and the specific implications for Dominican travellers, students, families and other legitimate holders of U.S. visas," according to Dominica News Online.""

The White House added Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica to a travel ban restricting entry of citizens from select foreign nations. The expansion joins more than a dozen countries added to an original June ban. The White House cited persistent deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing as national security and public safety concerns. Citizenship-by-investment programs without residency were cited as the reason Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica received partial restrictions. The order includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories, and individuals serving U.S. national interests. Dominica's foreign ministry is engaging U.S. officials to seek formal clarification and protect citizens' interests.

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