Prime Minister Gaston Browne has disclosed that he holds a valid United States visa but would not choose to travel to the country at this time, pointing to what he described as increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement as his reason for caution.
According to Antigua Observer, the Prime Minister made the remarks publicly, acknowledging that even lawful travel authorization is not enough to make him feel at ease about visiting the United States under current conditions.
"Even in my case, I have a valid visa," Browne said. "And [I] would not necessarily want to be in the US at this time."
The comments reflect a growing concern among Caribbean leaders and citizens about the climate surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. Browne's willingness to speak candidly on the matter — even as it relates to his own travel decisions — signals the weight he places on the issue.
The Prime Minister did not elaborate further on specific incidents or policies driving his position, but his remarks are likely to resonate with many Antiguans and Barbudans who travel to the United States regularly for business, family, and leisure.
