By Loshaun Dixon
The United States Department of State has firmly dismissed claims circulating on various news platforms regarding an alleged draft list proposing new visa restrictions on nationals from 43 countries.
Speaking during the Department’s daily press briefing on Monday, March 17, 2025, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the reports as inaccurate, stating categorically that no such list exists within the department.
“Well, first of all, there is no list,” Bruce said. “What people are looking at over these last several days is not a list that exists here that is being acted on. There is a review, as we know, through the President’s executive order, for us to look at the nature of what’s going to help keep America safer in dealing with the issue of visas and who’s allowed into the country.”
Bruce further clarified that the current efforts are part of a broader review mandated by the President’s executive order, aimed at strengthening national security through adjustments to the visa system. However, she stressed that the widely circulated document allegedly emanating from the State Department is baseless.
“But what has been touted as something that is an item through the State Department just simply isn’t the case,” she added. “So, the premise, I have to say, I certainly can’t speak to because it’s not accurate.”
Prior to the clarification from the U.S. State Department, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis had addressed reports in a recent New York Times article which indicated the Federation’s alleged inclusion in the aforementioned draft list of countries potentially facing travel restrictions to the United States.
The reportedly leaked document categorised countries into three tiers, with St. Kitts and Nevis appearing under the ‘Yellow’ tier—indicating nations that may have “60 days to address concerns.” However, the Government clarified that no formal or informal notice had been received from U.S. authorities regarding the matter.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew confirmed that St. Kitts and Nevis, through its Embassy in Washington, D.C., had already engaged with U.S. officials on the issue. “At this time, there has been no communication from the U.S. Government alerting us to any concerns warranting the Federation’s inclusion on such a list,” Prime Minister Drew stated.
Since August 2022, the Federation has actively maintained open and transparent communication with the U.S. Government, particularly surrounding significant reforms within its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme. In January, Prime Minister Drew participated in a multilateral meeting in the United Kingdom with senior U.S. State Department and Treasury officials, reaffirming St. Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to international cooperation and compliance with global standards in the CBI industry.
Additionally, efforts to strengthen regulatory measures continue at the regional level. A consultant, supported by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), is working on a sub-regional regulatory framework for CBI programmes across member states. Prime Minister Drew recently met with the interim regulatory committee to advance this initiative.
The Government has assured citizens that transparency and accountability remain guiding principles as they continue to monitor the situation. The Prime Minister reiterated the country’s strong diplomatic ties, noting, “The United States has long been an invaluable development partner to St. Kitts and Nevis, and we look forward to strengthening this relationship.”
The Government has pledged to update the public should any formal developments arise regarding travel to the U.S.
